When Will the 2026 Dry Season Peak Begin? Check BMKG Predictions and Mitigations!
Indonesia is currently entering a transition period between the rainy season and the dry season. This condition makes the weather in several regions feel hotter with humid air.
This was stated by Ardhasena Sopaheluwakan in a podcast posted on the Instagram account @infobmkg on Wednesday, 13 May 2026. In his explanation, the Deputy for Climatology at BMKG noted that the seasonal transition is marked by the persistence of residual water vapour from the previous rainy season.
According to him, the hot, humid weather results from a combination of rising air temperatures and residual water vapour from the rainy season. This condition makes the air feel muggy even as the dry season begins in several regions.
In addition, Ardhasena urged the public to be vigilant for the 2026 dry season, which is expected to be drier than in previous years. This condition is influenced by the El Niño phenomenon.
‘What we need to note is that the 2026 dry season is drier than usual,’ he said, seen on Wednesday (20 May 2026).
Furthermore, El Niño is a phenomenon of warm sea surface temperature anomalies in the Pacific Ocean. Normally, the sea heat moves toward the western Pacific. But due to an anomaly, the centre of sea heat shifts to the central to eastern Pacific.
Therefore, the public is advised to take several precautions in facing the 2026 dry season.
So, when will the 2026 dry-season peak occur and how will it be mitigated? Here is the full information according to the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) below. Let us take a look!
Indonesia’s 2026 Dry Season Peak
BMKG predicts the peak will occur gradually as more areas enter the dry season from April to June. Initially, the dry season is expected to emerge from the Nusa Tenggara region before spreading to other parts of Indonesia.
Meanwhile, the peak is predicted to occur in August 2026 in more than half of Indonesia. Although peak timing varies by region.
By August 2026, the areas at peak drought are expected to rise significantly. The dry conditions are predicted to dominate in several areas, from central to southern Sumatra, from Central Java to East Java, much of Kalimantan and Sulawesi, all of Bali and Nusa Tenggara, to parts of Maluku and Papua.
In September 2026, the peak of the dry season is still expected to occur in some areas such as parts of Lampung, small parts of Java, and most of East Nusa Tenggara. The same pattern is forecast for northern and eastern Sulawesi, most North Maluku, parts of Maluku, and a small portion of Papua.
What about other regions? Besides July–September, some areas have already started their peak in March. Some are late, experiencing it in October.
Mitigating the 2026 Dry Season Peak in Indonesia
To face the 2026 dry season, which is drier than previous years, the public can follow several mitigation steps. According to the @infobmkg post, the following mitigation steps are:
- Conserve water from now on
The public is urged to begin using water wisely and efficiently in daily activities. This step is important to mitigate the risk of a clean-water crisis during the peak of the dry season.
- Collect Rainwater
During rains, collect rainwater using large containers. The water can be utilised as a reserve at the peak of the dry season.
- Stop Land Burning
People are also urged to avoid clearing land by burning, whether for farming or development. Even a small fire can trigger large wildfires under dry conditions, especially since this year’s dry season is expected to be drier than in previous years.
- Protect Your Health
Citing Healthline, prolonged hot weather can increase the risk of various health problems. Here are some diseases that can be triggered by extreme heat:
- Migraine: high air temperature with extreme humidity can trigger headaches and migraines. In 2023, research showed that hot weather is a risk factor for migraine flare-ups.