BMKG Alerts Public to Potential Extreme Weather in Several Regions Due to Tropical Cyclone Potential 97S and Asian Monsoon
The Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi, dan Geofisika (BMKG) has been monitoring the development of Tropical Cyclone Potential 97S and the Asian Monsoon, which has been strengthening. BMKG has warned the public to be vigilant against potential extreme weather conditions in several areas over the next few days.
As per BMKG’s official statement, their Tropical Cyclone Warning Center (TCWC) in Jakarta has been tracking a low-pressure system in southern Nusa Tenggara since January 3, 2025. This system moved towards the west-northwest and developed into Tropical Cyclone Potential 97S on January 7, 2025, in the southern Java Sea, south of East Timor.
BMKG’s latest analysis on January 9, 2025, indicates that the system’s intensity has increased, and it is currently detected in the southern Lampung Sea, moving south. Tropical Cyclone Potential 97S is expected to impact weather conditions in several Indonesian regions within the next three days.
Tropical Cyclone Potential 97S may indirectly affect some regions with increased rainfall and strong winds. Directly, it could cause high waves in southern Indonesian waters within the next three days.
Potential Moderate to Heavy Rain
BMKG reports that Tropical Cyclone Potential 97S may enhance the potential for moderate to heavy rain, accompanied by gusty winds, in several regions:
- Bengkulu
- South Sumatra
- Lampung
- Banten
- Jakarta
- West Java
- Central Java
Potential High Waves (1.25-2.5 m)
Moreover, BMKG warns that Tropical Cyclone Potential 97S may cause waves up to 1.25 to 2.5 meters high in the following areas:
- Southern Java and NTB waters
- Western and southern Sunda Strait
- South Java and NTB southern Indian Ocean
- West Bengkulu to Lampung Indian Ocean
"From our calculations, this tropical cyclone is likely to have a significant impact within the next three days, mainly in the form of increased rainfall intensity, gusty winds, and high waves in certain areas," said Guswanto, Deputy Head of Meteorology, on Thursday (January 9, 2025).
Meanwhile, Andri Ramdhani, Director of Meteorological Services, noted that increased rainfall in the coming week is not solely due to Tropical Cyclone Potential 97S but also influenced by favorable atmospheric conditions and Asian monsoon and cold surge activities.
"Monsoon and cold surges from Asia also contribute to increased rainfall in western Indonesian regions," Andri explained. He added that the established cyclone circulation over the past few days around Nusatenggara has also affected Indonesia’s atmospheric dynamics. The persistent Rossby Equatorial Wave and Kelvin Wave activities in the next week, particularly affecting Sumatra, Java, parts of Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua, further amplifies this condition.
With the potential for significant weather conditions, Andri urges the public to be cautious about potential heavy rain and thunderstorms, including possible flooding, flash floods, landslides, and slippery roads that may threaten safety.
