Even though it is the dry season, BMKG is aware of heavy rain in Sulawesi and Papua today.

Illustration of rain (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Although most of Indonesia has entered the dry season, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) predicts that rain is still potentially occurring in various areas on Friday, June 12. In fact, a number of areas in Sulawesi and Papua have the potential to experience heavy to very heavy rain.

BMKG Praktirawan Ina Indah said that the current atmospheric conditions are still conducive to the formation of rain clouds in a number of regions of Indonesia so that the public is urged to remain aware of the potential for wet weather even during the dry season.

In the Sumatra region, Banda Aceh City is predicted to experience hazy air. Meanwhile, Medan, Pekanbaru, Padang, Tanjung Pinang, Bengkulu, and Palembang have the potential to be hit by light rain.

"Jambi City, Pangkal Pinang, and Bandar Lampung are predicted to be thick clouds, while Bengkulu has the potential for light rain. Be aware of light-intensity rain that can hit Palembang," said Ina, quoted by Antara, Friday morning.

For Java Island, the weather in Bandung is predicted to be cloudy. Meanwhile, Jakarta, Serang, and Semarang are thick clouds. Yogyakarta and Surabaya have the potential to experience light rain.

In Kalimantan, BMKG predicts that lightning rain is potentially occurring in Pontianak, Samarinda, and Tanjung Selor. Meanwhile, Palangkaraya and Banjarmasin are predicted to experience light rain.

Meanwhile, the Bali and Nusa Tenggara regions are still likely to be hit by rain. Denpasar and Mataram are predicted to experience light rain, while Kupang is cloudy.

In Sulawesi, rain still dominates a number of areas. Makassar, Kendari, Gorontalo, and Manado are predicted to experience light rain. Palu has the potential to be hit by rain accompanied by lightning, while Mamuju is predicted to experience moderate intensity rain.

"Palu is potentially hit by lightning, while Mamuju will be hit by rain with moderate intensity. Gorontalo and Manado are expected to experience light rain," said Ina.

For the Maluku and North Maluku regions, BMKG predicts that moderate rain is likely to occur in Ternate, while Ambon has the potential to experience light rain.

As for Papua, most areas are still potentially rain-soaked. Manokwari, Nabire, Sorong, Jayawijaya, and Merauke are predicted to experience light rain. Meanwhile, Jayapura is predicted to be cloudy.

BMKG also reminded the public to be aware of the potential for heavy to very heavy rain that could occur in Gorontalo, North Sulawesi, West Sulawesi, South Sulawesi, and Papua Mountains.

In addition, a number of other areas are also in a state of alert for the potential for moderate to heavy rain which may be accompanied by lightning and strong winds.

BMKG urges the public to continue to monitor the latest weather information and increase vigilance against potential hydrometeorological disasters such as floods, landslides, and fallen trees, especially in areas that are still potentially experiencing heavy rains even though they have entered the dry season.