Residents Urged to Beware of Transitional Weather and Prolonged Dry Season

Residents in the Cirebon region, which includes Cirebon City and Regency, Indramayu Regency, Kuningan Regency, and Majalengka Regency, have been urged to be vigilant during the transitional weather period and the dry season. “The Cirebon region has now entered the transitional period, or pancaroba, from the rainy season to the dry season,” stated Muhammad Syifaul Fuad, Head of the BMKG Meteorological Station in Kertajati, Majalengka Regency, on Thursday (9/4). The transitional period is marked by dynamic weather changes. “Mornings and afternoons will be quite hot, while evenings, nights, and early mornings still have the potential for moderate to heavy rain of short duration. This could be accompanied by strong winds, lightning, tornadoes, and hail,” Fuad explained. Following the transitional period, the Cirebon region will enter the dry season, forecasted to begin from the third decade of April to the second decade of May. This year’s dry season, Fuad continued, is expected to arrive earlier than normal. “The peak of the dry season is predicted for August and September,” Fuad clarified. Fuad added that not only will the dry season come sooner, but it is also forecasted to be drier and longer. “This is because this year’s dry season is expected to coincide with a global weather phenomenon in the form of a weak-to-moderate El Niño. This is typically associated with reduced rainfall in Indonesia,” Fuad explained. Therefore, the public is advised to prepare for the dry season. Residents can take advantage of the rain that is still falling in their areas, such as by collecting rainwater or repairing leaky pipe installations. In addition, the public is asked to manage household food stocks before prices fluctuate. “Also prepare masks for smoke pollution and increase intake of plain water to avoid dehydration,” Fuad advised. Fuad also reminded residents to be wary of forest and land fires. Therefore, residents are asked not to burn rubbish or land carelessly.