Gov’t Warns Public of Extreme Weather During Eid Exodus

Head of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Dwikorita Karnawati. (Photo: PR/Agung)

Head of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (MCGA) Dwikorita Karnawati warned the public who will take part in the annual exodus ahead of Eid (mudik) of the potentials of extreme weather in the following weeks.

“We urge all travelers, transportation service providers, and transportation operators to be vigilant about the possibility of extreme weather during the homecoming flow. The atmospheres in Indonesia are highly dynamic and can change suddenly,” she said, Tuesday (03/26).

Dwikorita also told travelers to actively check weather information and conditions, including early warnings for high waves, high tides, tsunamis, and early earthquake information before embarking on the homecoming journey.

Those using sea transportation, she said, should consider postponing their journey if weather turns bad.

Dwikorita also explained that weather conditions during the homecoming week are generally divided into three periodic phases.

During the first period, or one week before Eid al-Fitr (April 3-9, 2024), the MCGA predicts that Indonesia may experience light to moderate rainfall in various regions.

In the second period, or the week of Eid al-Fitr 2024 (April 10-16, 2024), the agency forecasts generally clear to partly cloudy weather across Indonesia.

Meanwhile, during the third period, or the week after Eid al-Fitr (April 17-23, 2024), the agency predicts that northern and central parts of Indonesia may experience light to moderate rainfall.

Moreover, Dwikorita said that the public should remain vigilant about the potential development of tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean, particularly in the southern waters of Indonesia.

“The MCGA, together with the NARI (National Agency for Research and Innovation), the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (NDMA), and the Indonesian Air Force, has prepared options for conducting weather modification technology operations to anticipate extreme weather conditions. Everything is on standby. The MCGA also opens service posts during the homecoming and return flows of Eid al-Fitr,” she remarked. (PR of BMKG/UN) (UN) (RAS/EP)