Jakarta Feels Significantly Hotter Today; BMKG: Dry Season Arriving Earlier

Jakarta residents complained of intense heat on Saturday (14 March 2026), with the scorching temperatures prompting many to restrict outdoor activities and seek cooler environments to escape the sun’s rays.

One resident, Tari (32), admitted to spending most of her day indoors until late afternoon due to the oppressive heat since midday. When she eventually ventured out to Blok M in South Jakarta, she opted for an online taxi despite the higher cost compared to motorcycle taxis.

According to Tari, the hot weather made her feel thirsty whilst at home. She considered buying ice cream but abandoned the idea as she was observing the Ramadan fast. “I feel lazy doing anything because of the heat, so I waited until late afternoon to go out, even though it was still hot,” she said.

However, Tari acknowledged her dilemma about the weather conditions. She dislikes excessive heat but does not wish for heavy rain that could cause flooding.

Similar complaints came from Ayuni (31), who preferred hot weather to rain as she could still seek shelter in cooler places. “But this is better. I sweat easily, so I find this kind of heat uncomfortable. So I’ve been staying indoors in air-conditioned spaces, inside shopping malls,” she explained when reached separately.

“Even now that it’s evening, it’s still hot. There’s no breeze,” she added.

Another resident, Ester (36), noticed how quickly her laundry dried due to the extreme heat. She reported needing only a few hours to dry clothes, even when they were not exposed to direct sunlight. Ester only became fully aware of the intense heat when she stepped outside and felt it directly on her skin.