Idul Adha: BMKG forecasts cloudy skies with light rain in most major cities

JAKARTA — The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued an early warning of light to heavy rain with thunderstorms and strong winds across major Indonesian cities on Wednesday. BMKG forecaster Sufia Nur explained that a convergence zone extends from Aceh’s western coast to Bengkulu’s western waters, the southwestern Indian Ocean, Banten, Aceh’s western waters, the Strait of Malacca, from the Karimata Strait to the Sunda Strait, the Java Sea to East Java, southern Java waters, and central Kalimantan’s southern coast. These conditions enhance rain cloud formation along the convergence areas. Consequently, Tanjung Pinang, Surabaya, Tanjung Selor, Ternate, and Manokwari may experience moderate to very heavy rain with lightning and gusty winds. Other cities including Medan, Bandung, Semarang, Palangkaraya, Mamuju, Kendari, Gorontalo, Ambon, Sorong, Jayapura, and Jayawijaya are forecast to have light to moderate rain. On Monday (25 May), BMKG noted that North Sumatra (Sumut) is entering a period where it will be affected by the Baratan wind, which is dry and strong, coupled with low humidity. BMKG Regional Office I forecaster Chrinstin Mori in Medan stated that the dry Baratan wind reduces cloud cover from morning to midday in parts of North Sumatra, intensifying surface heating. She added: “The public can expect higher daytime temperatures and potential dry, strong winds in some areas.” BMKG advises the public to use sunscreen and maintain adequate hydration, particularly those working outdoors during midday, to prevent dehydration, fatigue, and other health issues.