Jakarta Hits 35 Degrees Celsius! The Secret to Staying Cool Amid Scorching Weather

Residents of Jabodetabek (Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi) have recently felt as though they are being “roasted alive”. Indonesian Meteorological Agency (BMKG) data as of 17 March 2026 confirmed that air temperature in Jakarta reached its peak at 35.6 degrees Celsius, particularly in East Jakarta and South Tangerang. Exposure to sunlight felt more intense, making it one of the hottest periods in the early part of this year.

This condition is triggered by several key factors occurring simultaneously. Temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius carry a risk of triggering heatstroke. Seek shelter immediately if you experience severe dizziness, nausea, or a dramatic increase in heart rate whilst engaging in outdoor activities.

The following are several practical strategies to maintain stable body temperature amid the scorching weather:

Do not drink water only when thirsty. Consume mineral water regularly and add water-rich fruits such as watermelons or melons to replace electrolytes lost through perspiration.

To prevent stuffy rooms, open windows on two opposite sides. If using a fan, place it near an open window with the fan facing outwards to expel hot air from inside the room.

Use fabrics made of cotton or linen that allow skin to breathe. Avoid synthetic fabrics such as polyester, which trap heat against the skin surface.

Coping with Jakarta during its hottest period requires appropriate lifestyle adaptations. By understanding the natural phenomena occurring and maintaining proper hydration and air circulation, we can remain productive without neglecting health amid the extreme weather conditions in March 2026.