BMKG Asks Athletes To Beware Of Hot Weather During PON Papua

JAYAPURA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) appealed to participants to be aware of the hot weather during the Papua National Sports Week (PON) until October 15.

A number of athletes who competed in PON, especially in outdoor sports previously had complained about the scorching hot weather in Papua.

However, according to the Sub-Coordinator for Services at the Jayapura Center for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics, Ezri Ronsumbre, the scorching hot weather is a normal condition because Papua is still hit by the dry season. The rainy season in Jayapura is expected to occur in December.

This hot weather, he continued, will indeed occur in the PON organizing cluster, especially the City and Regency of Jayapura.

In addition, the scorching hot weather is also caused by the apparent position of the sun right now at the equator and moving towards the south of Papua.

“This (hot weather) is indeed an annual cycle and is not out of the ordinary. For now in September, the sun is right at the equator, and is now moving towards the south of Papua. So indeed the southern hemisphere will receive more sunlight," said Ezri as quoted by Antara, Wednesday, September 29.

Meanwhile, the temperature in Jayapura City and Regency, he said, is currently in the range of 32 to a maximum of 33 degrees.

He appealed to athletes, especially those who compete in outdoor arenas, to maintain conditions so that they can continue to perform optimally and not become dehydrated.

“Drink lots of water so you don't get dehydrated, then use sunscreen because it's really hot, the heat is stinging and you can feel it directly in the heat. So you just need to protect yourself by drinking lots of water and protecting your skin so you don't get burned," he explained.