Jakarta Temperature Reaches 35.4 Degrees, BMKG Predicts Dry Season to Come Early 

ILLUSTRATION/ANTARA FOTO/Sulthony Hasanuddin

JAKARTA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) predicts that the 2026 dry season may come earlier in a number of regions in Indonesia. A number of areas have even begun to show signs of seasonal change with brighter weather conditions and the air temperature feels warmer.

The Head of the BMKG Weather Prediction and Early Warning Division, Ida Pramuwardani, said that some parts of Indonesia are expected to gradually enter the dry season starting in April.

"BMKG predicts that the dry season in 2026 has the potential to come earlier in a number of regions in Indonesia. Most of Indonesia is predicted to enter the dry season in the April period in 114 ZOM (season zone), May 184 ZOM, and June 163 ZOM. Starting from the Nusa Tenggara region then gradually to other regions of Indonesia," Ida told reporters, Monday, March 16.

Ida explained, at this time the dry season has even begun to be felt in several areas of Java Island. This condition makes the weather pattern more dominated by a clear sky to thick clouds.

BMKG also noted that the maximum air temperature in the Jakarta area reached a fairly high figure. "In the last few days, the maximum air temperature measured in the Jakarta area reached 35.4 degrees Celsius, specifically in the East Jakarta area," said Ida.

According to him, the temperature that feels hotter than usual is influenced by a number of meteorological factors. One of them is the reduced cloud cover so that solar radiation can directly reach the earth's surface more optimally.

"The air temperature that feels warmer than usual is generally influenced by several meteorological factors, such as reduced cloud cover which allows solar radiation to be received by the surface more optimally, as well as relatively weak wind speeds so that air circulation does not take place effectively," he explained.

According to him, this condition often occurs during the transition season or pancaroba. During this period, the sky tends to be brighter during the day so that the maximum heating lasts longer.

"In addition, in urban areas, the large number of concrete and asphalt surfaces are also able to absorb and store heat for longer, resulting in a warmer temperature effect compared to the surrounding area," he said.

BMKG estimates that hot air temperatures are still potentially occurring in the next few days, especially during the day when cloud cover is reduced.

Even so, he emphasized that most of Indonesia is currently in the final phase of the rainy season or the transition period to drought.

"In general, most of Indonesia is currently in the final period of the rainy season or the transition period to the dry season, so the potential for cloud formation is still quite high, which at certain times can reduce heating or radiation that reaches the surface," he said.

Therefore, BMKG urges the public to maintain body condition when the air temperature feels hot, especially when doing activities outdoors.

"Make sure that the body's fluid needs are met by drinking plenty of water, using protective items such as hats or umbrellas, and wearing light and sweat-absorbing clothing," he explained.