Frequent Heavy Rain but Still Hot, Here’s an Explanation from an IPB University Biometeorology Expert
Lately, people have been complaining about unpredictable weather. Heavy rain falls almost every day, yet the air still feels hot and stifling.
Dr Rini Hidayati, a Biometeorology Expert from IPB University, explained that rain during these months can last all day, from noon to night or early morning.
“At the beginning of the rainy season, heavy rain is often preceded or accompanied by strong winds. Usually, heavy rain occurs in the afternoon because the water vapor source comes from surrounding areas, and rain falls after the air has slightly cooled,” she said in an interview with the IPB Public Relations reporter on (10/2).
A researcher at the Southeast Asia and Pacific Climate Risk and Opportunity Management Center at IPB University, she added that during the peak of the rainy season, like now, water vapor from the Indian Ocean is carried by the wind almost all day. The cooler temperatures at night further increase the chances of heavy rain.
Regarding the hot temperatures despite frequent rain, the lecturer from the Department of Geophysics and Meteorology (GFM) at IPB University explained that the sun is currently positioned at about 10 degrees south latitude. This position is close to Indonesia, especially the southern part, resulting in high energy levels.
“If there are only a few clouds during the day, the sun’s energy will be intense. The high humidity makes the air feel even hotter. Global warming further increases the temperature and discomfort levels,” she stated.
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) previously issued an early warning for Monday (10/2) and Tuesday (11/2). On these two days, BMKG predicted that several regions would experience heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds. Therefore, the public is urged to be cautious of potential extreme weather impacts.
Under such conditions, she warned that the risk of disasters increases. If upstream watershed areas are damaged and drainage systems are poor, heavy rain can trigger landslides and floods.
Additionally, heavy rain is often accompanied by tornadoes. During the rainy season with intermittent dry periods, people should also be wary of the increased breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit dengue fever.
She predicted that extreme weather in Indonesia would generally persist until March. Even in April, strong winds could still occur as the transitional season begins.
Dr Rini advised the public to remain alert and limit outdoor activities to mitigate the impact of extreme weather and health issues, particularly influenza.
“Keep the environment clean to prevent waste from blocking water flow. Protect watershed areas by avoiding deforestation and continuing to plant trees. Also, ensure that drainage channels are not clogged and are not covered with concrete or cement,” she urged. (dh) (IAAS/RUM)
