BBMKG Medan Asks Residents To Beware Of Hot And Dry Winds In North Sumatra

MEDAN - The Center for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics (BBMKG) Region I Medan asked the public to be aware of the potential for hot and dry winds in the next week in a number of areas in North Sumatra.

Head of BBMKG Region I Medan, Hartanto, said that in the next week the prospect of strong winds will be hot and dry for several areas in North Sumatra.

The affected areas include Langkat, Karo, Deli Serdang, Medan, South Tapanuli, Padang Sidempuan, Labuhanbatu, North Labuhan Batu and North Padang Lawas.

This condition occurs because based on monitoring the dynamic conditions of the Southwest monsoon atmosphere (west wind) is starting to strengthen with speeds ranging from 10-30 knots.

The air mass that passes through the North Sumatra region is relatively dry with humidity values ranging from 40–90 percent.

"This causes insignificant cloud growth so that in the next week Sumatra is predicted to be generally cloudy," he said, quoted by Antara, Monday, July 19.

The average air temperature in the North Sumatra region, he continued, is predicted to be quite hot, especially in the lowlands, beaches and urban areas with temperatures ranging from 26 to 36 degrees Celsius.

While in mountainous areas and highlands it ranges from 18 to 27 degrees Celsius.

The public is advised to be wise in the use of fire which can lead to forest, land and settlement fires.

For people who are active outdoors to maintain health due to hot and dry conditions.

"Drivers are careful of strong winds that can be dangerous while driving. People must remain vigilant and monitor weather condition information issued by the BMKG," he said.