Indonesia has been experiencing a prolonged heatwave, with temperatures soaring in several regions, including Jabodetabek and Bali. In Bali, the heat has been particularly harsh, with temperatures climbing to 34 degrees Celsius. What’s surprising is that this extreme heat comes at a time when the country should typically be entering the rainy season in October. So, why is Indonesia still battling such high temperatures?
Andri Ramdhani, Head of the Public Meteorology Center at the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), offered an explanation. Speaking to CNBC Indonesia, he highlighted that the current weather in many parts of Indonesia, particularly Java, Jabodetabek, and Nusa Tenggara, has been predominantly clear. The absence of significant cloud formation, especially during the day, is a key factor.
“This lack of cloud cover means that the sun’s radiation can reach the Earth’s surface without much obstruction, which is why the heat feels particularly intense during midday,” Ramdhani said in his statement on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
He further elaborated that many regions in Indonesia, particularly those south of the equator, are in the midst of a transitional season. The dry season is gradually giving way to the rainy season, but clear skies continue to dominate the mornings and afternoons, with sporadic rainfall occurring later in the day.
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While October generally marks the start of the rainy season, Ramdhani noted that the onset of rains across Java varies. “The rainy season is expected to begin between late October and early November, with the peak expected in January-February 2025. This explains why some areas are still experiencing hot weather, while others have begun to feel cooler temperatures due to the sporadic rains.”
Furthermore, Bali, one of the regions hit hardest by the heatwave, has recorded temperatures reaching 34 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels in the area have fluctuated between 55% and 95%, adding to the discomfort.
Quoted from RRI, Pande Gede Setiawan, a senior meteorologist from BMKG’s Denpasar office, provided additional insights to RRI. He attributed the soaring temperatures to surface warming caused by a decline in cloud formation and rainfall. According to Setiawan, the current extreme heat is a common phenomenon during the transition from the dry to the rainy season.
“The change in seasons doesn’t happen overnight. This is still within normal limits,” Setiawan explained. He also pointed to the apparent movement of the sun south of the equator, which is contributing to the intensified heat. “When there is less cloud cover, the Earth receives more direct sunlight, which naturally drives up temperatures,” he added.
Besides the sweltering conditions, this unusual weather pattern brings with it the threat of several natural disasters. The BMKG has issued warnings of potential hazards, including forest and land fires, severe drought, flooding, and landslides. These risks highlight the need for increased public awareness and preparedness as Indonesia navigates this intense transitional period.
Despite the heatwave in Indonesia, it seems the country’s rainy season will soon begin, providing some much-needed relief. However, until the rains come in full force, Indonesians will need to endure these intense heatwaves and stay alert to the associated risks.
