Extreme Weather in the Dark Times, Beware of Heavy Rain and Strong Wind

Illustration of Extreme Weather (ANTARA)

CILACAP - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) urges the public to be aware of the potential for extreme weather that can occur during the transition period or the transition from the rainy season to the dry season.

The Head of the BMKG Data and Information Dissemination Service Working Team, Tunggul Wulung Cilacap Meteorological Station, Teguh Wardoyo, said the period of uncertainty was often characterized by uncertain weather conditions and had the potential to trigger extreme events.

"During this period, the public needs to increase vigilance against the possibility of moderate to heavy rain which may be accompanied by lightning and strong winds," said Tunggul, quoted by Antara, Wednesday, April 8.

He gave an example of the rain that occurred in several areas of Banyumas Regency on Monday, April 6, which showed the characteristics of extreme weather during the transition season.

Based on the data on the last 24 hours of rainfall recorded on Tuesday, April 7, he said, several areas in Banyumas were hit by moderate to heavy rain accompanied by lightning and strong winds on Monday.

"Heavy rain was recorded in Rempoah, Cikidang, and Sumbang, with 84 millimeters, 87 millimeters, and 78 millimeters, respectively," he said.

He said that this condition was triggered by the local factors of unstable atmosphere and quite intense surface heating, so that the growth of Cumulonimbus (Cb) clouds in the Banyumas area and its surroundings was maximum.

As a result, he said, heavy rain occurred in a number of areas in a relatively short duration but with high intensity.

In addition, he continued, BMKG also predicts that the potential for heavy rain accompanied by lightning can still occur in the next few days, especially at night and early morning.

"The unstable atmospheric conditions during the transition period cause the growth of convective clouds to become more active, so that it has the potential to cause heavy rain in a short duration," he explained.

He said that this phenomenon is a common occurrence in the rainy season which has now begun in the Banyumas area and its surroundings.

He reminded that extreme weather could potentially have an impact in the form of fallen trees, waterlogging, and disruption of community activities, especially in open areas.

Therefore, he said, the public is asked to continue to monitor the development of weather information issued by the BMKG and avoid outdoor activities when weather conditions worsen.

"The public is also urged to ensure that the surrounding environment is safe, such as pruning fragile tree branches and ensuring that water channels function properly," he said.

According to him, fishermen and users of marine transportation services also need to increase vigilance against sudden weather changes.

He said that BMKG would continue to update weather forecast information periodically to support the safety and comfort of the community.

"With increased vigilance, it is hoped that the potential impact of extreme weather during the transition period can be minimized," said Teguh.