Drought on Pause as Rain Pours over West Java: Why It Happens
West Java is experiencing an unseasonal period of rain caused by atmospheric waves, despite being in a drought phase. Meteorologists note that while this rain is temporary, the official rainy season is expected to begin in November for most of the region.
Why it matters
Understanding shifting weather patterns and the impact of phenomena like El Nino is critical for agricultural planning and disaster preparedness in Indonesia.
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Rain has been pouring over parts of West Java since the tail end of September, albeit unevenly. According to weather forecaster Aditya Kusuma Al Arif from the West Java Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the condition is influenced partly by Rossby atmospheric waves that carry a lot of moisture. “We should be in a drought, but right now it's on pause,” he told Tempo.Cloudy and rainy weather has been noticeable in Bogor, the northern part of Sukabumi and Cianjur, as well as the Greater Bandung Raya region, encompassing Bandung city and regency, West Bandung, and Cimahi.It will be brief, however, lasting only about two weeks from the weekend prior.Therefore, BMKG has not yet declared this period as the start of the rainy season.
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