Why Chinese New Year is synonymous with rain, here's the explanation from BMKG

Chinese New Year ornaments (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The moment of celebrating Chinese New Year in Indonesia is synonymous with rain. Generally, the rain that pours is of medium to heavy intensity. Regarding the weather, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) revealed that there is a reason in climatology why the Imlek celebration is always rainy.

BMKG weather practitioner, Wahyu Argo Wahyu, explained that, in terms of climatology, the date of the Chinese New Year celebration is indeed in the rainy season period in Indonesia.

"Currently, this condition is influenced by the Asian Monsoon which brings wet air masses from Asia to maritime Indonesia," said Wahyu, Monday, February 16.

In addition, currently the weather in Indonesia is also strengthened by cold surges, Kelvin and Rossby waves, convergence, and other weather dynamics.

"All of this makes the formation of rain clouds in the area to be higher," he added.

Previously, BMKG had issued an early warning regarding the potential rain that was expected to hit the Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi (Jabodetabek) regions on Tuesday, February 17, coinciding with the celebration of the 2026 Chinese New Year.

Wahyu added that, although in general the Jabodetabek area still has the potential for moderate to heavy rain. Several specific areas are predicted to have the highest potential for heavy rain, with the potential intensity of rain occurring ranging from 20 to 100 millimeters per day.

"Heavy rain potential is in several areas, namely in North Jakarta, West Jakarta, South Jakarta, and the Thousand Islands," concluded Wahyu.