The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has recently brought attention to the emergence of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek in the Indonesian region. This weather phenomenon not only carries the potential for triggering high waves but also poses the risk of inducing heavy rainfall in various parts of Indonesia.
In a recent update shared on BMKG’s Instagram account, Tropical Cyclone Anggrek has been detected in the southwest Indian Ocean near Bengkulu, positioned at approximately 9.4 degrees North Latitude and 93.3 degrees East Longitude. The cyclone boasts a maximum wind speed of 35 knots and a minimum air pressure of 1,000 hPa.
BMKG forecasts an increase in the intensity of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek within the next 24 hours, predicting its eastward movement. Guswanto, Deputy for Meteorology at BMKG, sheds light on the identification of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek’s formation in the southwest Indian Ocean, alongside the development of Cyclone Seed 99S near North Australia on Tuesday (16/1).
This simultaneous occurrence of two cyclones and other regional atmospheric phenomena has raised concerns about the potential for heavy rainfall across Indonesia. Guswanto emphasizes the importance of considering additional atmospheric dynamics, such as the activation of the Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO) in the Indonesian region, accompanied by Kelvin and Rossby Wave phenomena.
Moreover, Guswanto notes the influence of the strengthening Winter Asian Monsoon flow, contributing significantly to the heightened potential for rain cloud growth.
BMKG also highlights the impact of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek on wave heights in various areas. Firstly, waves of 1.25-2.5 meters are expected in the southwest Indian Ocean west of Nias Islands, Bengkulu Waters, western Lampung waters, and the southern part of the Sunda Strait.
Secondly, higher waves ranging from 2.5-4 meters are anticipated in the west Indian Ocean from Mentawai Islands to Lampung, Enggano Islands, and the southern part of Banten in the Indian Ocean.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) provides additional insights into Tropical Cyclone Anggrek’s gradual northwest development towards the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Australia. Categorized as intensity level 1, the cyclone exhibits sustained wind speeds near the center reaching 75 kilometers per hour, with gusts up to 100 kilometers per hour.
As of now, BoM reports the cyclone’s location to be 455 kilometers northwest of Cocos Islands and 1,460 kilometers southwest of Jakarta. BoM anticipates a slow intensification of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek in the next 24 hours, with its predicted southward movement and passage west of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands by the end of the week.
The potential dangers associated with Tropical Cyclone Anggrek include strong winds with damaging gusts reaching speeds of 120 km per hour. BoM suggests this may occur on Wednesday night (17/1), with a higher likelihood on Thursday. Furthermore, the agency warns of increased rainfall as the system approaches on Wednesday and Thursday.
BoM emphasizes the possibility of “rough and large” sea waves in the northern regions, cautioning that due to Anggrek’s slow movement, the impact of large waves may persist for several days, posing potential risks to coastal areas.
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