Climate & Environment

Rain And Cloud Cover Dominate Major Indonesian Cities

BMKG forecasts persistent rain, thick clouds, and strong winds in South Sulawesi, Bandung, and Jakarta, urging residents to remain vigilant as weather shifts impact daily routines.

5 min read

For millions of Indonesians, the weather is more than just a backdrop—it’s a key player in daily routines, from planning a morning commute to deciding whether to hang laundry outside. As the archipelago braces for the final full week of February 2026, the national meteorological agency, BMKG, has issued updated forecasts that shine a spotlight on three of Indonesia’s most populous regions: South Sulawesi, West Java, and the capital, Jakarta. The coming days promise a patchwork of rain, clouds, and the ever-present possibility of sudden, dramatic shifts in conditions.

Let’s begin in South Sulawesi, where BMKG Wilayah IV Makassar has sounded the alarm for Monday, February 23, 2026. According to detikcom, residents of Makassar and its neighboring districts—Gowa, Jeneponto, Maros, Pangkep, and Takalar—should expect light rain as they start their day. This early-morning drizzle could be a minor inconvenience for those with outdoor plans, but it’s the midday and afternoon hours that bring more variety. The forecast predicts most of South Sulawesi will be under cloudy skies, with light rain likely across several areas and moderate rain targeting Bulukumba and North Toraja.

By nightfall, the weather remains unsettled. Light rain is expected in Makassar and other districts such as Maros, Pangkep, Barru, Bulukumba, Gowa, and Selayar, while Luwu faces a higher chance of moderate rainfall. The after-midnight hours, or dini hari, continue this trend: light rain in much of the province, moderate rain in East Luwu, and cloudy conditions in places like Bantaeng, Enrekang, Palopo, Soppeng, Wajo, Tana Toraja, and North Toraja.

But it’s not just precipitation that’s on the radar. BMKG’s temperature and humidity outlook for February 23 sets the thermometer between 19 and 32 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels ranging from a sticky 71% up to a near-suffocating 100%. Winds are forecasted from the northwest, blowing at speeds between 8 and 38 km/h. The agency has also issued a special warning: strong winds could whip along the east and south coasts of South Sulawesi, potentially complicating conditions for fishermen and coastal residents.

Traveling west to Bandung and its surrounding areas, the forecast paints a slightly different picture. According to BMKG data reported by Tribun Jabar, Monday’s weather in Bandung is expected to be highly variable. Thick clouds will dominate, but several districts—particularly in the north and west—are set for light rain, especially from midday into the late afternoon. The east of Bandung, meanwhile, should enjoy more stable, cloudy weather throughout the day.

Temperature fluctuations in Bandung are worth noting. Minimums could dip to 19 degrees Celsius in places like Sukasari and Coblong, with daytime highs reaching 26 degrees. Humidity hovers between 68% and 93%, depending on the district. This combination of cool air and high moisture means residents might want to keep a jacket or umbrella handy, especially if they’re out and about in the city’s northern or western quarters.

The forecast for Bandung doesn’t stop at a single day. Looking ahead to February 25, BMKG expects conditions to gradually improve, with clouds becoming more dominant and rain tapering off. However, transitional periods like this often bring their own hazards. BMKG cautions residents to be alert for strong winds, advising against sheltering under large trees or fragile billboards during sudden weather swings. It’s a reminder that, even as the rain eases, the atmosphere can still pack a punch.

Now, all eyes turn to Jakarta, the nation’s bustling capital and its satellite, Kepulauan Seribu. The forecast for Monday, February 23, 2026, is unequivocally wet. According to Kompas TV, BMKG predicts rain will be a near-constant companion throughout the day, ranging from light showers to full-blown thunderstorms. This pattern extends from the early hours right through to the evening, impacting all five municipalities of Jakarta as well as Kepulauan Seribu.

The persistent precipitation is more than an inconvenience; it’s a potential disruptor of daily life. BMKG has urged the public to exercise caution, especially with outdoor activities. Sudden weather changes could catch commuters and event organizers off guard. The agency’s advice: keep a close eye on updates and be prepared for rapidly shifting conditions.

Jakarta’s wet spell is not a one-off. The previous day, Sunday, February 22, 2026, had already set the tone. As reported by MerahPutih.com, the capital spent much of the day under cloudy skies, with light rain predicted for the evening and a possibility of thunderstorms in Kepulauan Seribu. Morning temperatures ranged from 27 to 29 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels between 71% and 82%. Winds blew at a moderate 9.2 to 17.7 km/h. By afternoon, South Jakarta experienced light rain, and temperatures ticked up to 28–30 degrees Celsius. Humidity remained high, and by nightfall, temperatures dipped to 24–26 degrees Celsius, with humidity soaring to 87–97%. Wind speeds at night varied from a gentle 2.6 to 15.2 km/h.

Jakarta’s weather, then, is a study in contrasts: muggy, rain-soaked, and at times, unpredictably stormy. The city’s residents are no strangers to such conditions, but the near-constant threat of rain this week means umbrellas and raincoats are essential accessories.

Across these three regions—South Sulawesi, Bandung, and Jakarta—the story is one of atmospheric instability. Rain, clouds, and wind are set to shape the rhythm of daily life. For those planning to travel, work outdoors, or simply enjoy a stroll, the message from BMKG is clear: keep an eye on the sky, heed official warnings, and adapt plans as needed.

As Indonesia’s rainy season continues its unpredictable dance, the nation’s meteorologists remain vigilant, providing vital updates that help millions navigate the ever-changing weather. Whether you’re in Makassar, Bandung, or Jakarta, one thing’s for certain: the weather will keep you on your toes.

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