BMKG South Sumatra Urges Palembang Residents To Be Alert To Extreme Weather

The atmosphere of heavy rain in Palembang, South Sumatra. (ANTARA/M Imam Pramana)

JAKARTA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) of South Sumatra Province (Sumsel) reminded the people of Palembang to remain alert to the potential for extreme weather in the form of heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning.

"Currently, South Sumatra is still in the rainy season, which can potentially cause heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and lightning," said Head of the BMKG Data and Information Unit SMB II Palembang, Sinta Andayani, when confirmed in Palembang on Saturday (15/2).

He explained that last week there was a decrease in the intensity of rain in the South Sumatra region due to reduced cloud cover, so that the air temperature became warmer. However, based on the latest weather monitoring, there are indications of an increase in rainfall again.

"This is due to the presence of Kelvin waves and convergence wind patterns that have formed around the South Sumatra region," he said.

Furthermore, he explained that the hot weather conditions that were sometimes accompanied by rain during the day in Palembang were caused by the condensation process in the formation of rain clouds. This process causes the surrounding air temperature to increase, until it finally falls in the form of rain when it reaches a certain phase.

"The public needs to increase their awareness of this extreme weather, which is expected to last until the transition season comes in April-May 2025," he added.

In addition, he emphasized that Palembang is expected to enter the transition season in the April-May 2025 period. However, this condition can still change and needs to be updated due to rapid and dynamic weather changes.

"We urge the public to remain alert to the potential for extreme weather, considering that currently South Sumatra is still in the rainy season," he concluded.