Indonesian Meteorological Agency warns fishermen of high waves in North Sumatra waters
Medan (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) has cautioned fishermen and other stakeholders to remain vigilant regarding the potential for high waves in several waters off North Sumatra that could disrupt maritime navigation.
“Exercise caution regarding the potential for high waves between 13 and 15 March 2026. Sea waves could reach 1.5 to 2.5 metres,” said Rizki Fadhillah Pratama Putra, a forecaster at BMKG’s Belawan Maritime Class II Meteorological Station, in Medan on Thursday.
Wind patterns in the northern region of Indonesia generally move from northwest to northeast with wind speeds ranging from 5 to 25 knots, whilst in the southern region of Indonesia they generally move from southwest to northwest with wind speeds ranging from 8 to 30 knots.
Several waters potentially affected by high waves include the waters west of the Nias Islands, waters west of the Batu Islands, waters of the Batu Islands, and the Indian Ocean west of the Nias Islands.
Fishing boat captains are urged to exercise caution when wind speeds reach 15 knots and wave heights reach 1.25 metres, and barge operators when wind speeds reach 16 knots and wave heights reach 1.5 metres.
Light rain with low intensity may occur on Friday morning, with potential occurrence in North Tapanuli, North Labuhanbatu, Mandailing Natal, South Nias, North Nias, Padang Lawas, Padangsidimpuan, Labuhanbatu, South Labuhanbatu, Asahan and Batu Bara.
From midday to evening, weather is forecast to be cloudy with potential light to moderate rainfall in the Langkat region and surrounding areas.
For evening hours, weather in North Sumatra is expected to be generally cloudy with potential light rain in most areas, whilst in the early morning hours weather is forecast to be cloudy with potential light rain in several areas.
“BMKG urges the public to remain vigilant regarding the potential for moderate rainfall in the western and eastern slopes of North Sumatra that could trigger hydrometeorological disasters such as flooding and landslides,” the official said.