The Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi, dan Geofisika (BMKG) Stasiun Samarinda has issued a warning for East Kalimantan (Kaltim), forecasting a significant increase in rainfall from today, April 13, 2025, through April 20, 2025. The agency predicts that the region will experience moderate rain, with expected precipitation ranging from 50 to 150 millimeters (mm). With an 80-90 percent chance of rain, residents are urged to remain vigilant about potential hazards such as floods, overflowing rivers, slippery roads, and landslides.
Riza Arian Noor, the head of BMKG Samarinda, emphasized the need for caution, stating, "With the likelihood of rain being between 80-90 percent, all parties are advised to be aware of the impacts, including floods, overflowing rivers, slippery roads, and landslides." He also warned of the possibility of falling trees due to the rain, which may be accompanied by lightning and strong winds.
The forecast indicates that while most of East Kalimantan will experience moderate rainfall, certain areas, particularly parts of West Kutai Regency, Mahakam Ulu Regency, and western Kutai Kartanegara Regency, are expected to see higher rainfall levels, reaching between 150-300 mm with a 60 percent chance.
In addition to these predictions, the deterministic forecast for the second dekad of April shows that East Kalimantan is generally expected to experience moderate rainfall in the range of 75-150 mm. However, specific areas, such as the northern part of North West Kutai Regency and the southern part of Mahakam Ulu Regency, are projected to receive higher amounts of rainfall.
Riza elaborated on the rainfall characteristics for this period, noting that East Kalimantan is expected to have normal rainfall characteristics between 85-115 percent, with some areas experiencing above-normal levels between 116-150 percent. This forecast is crucial for residents and local authorities as they prepare for the upcoming weather conditions.
Meanwhile, based on monitoring conducted during the first dekad of April, it was noted that East Kalimantan has had a mix of rainy days and dry days. Some areas have experienced very short durations of dry days, typically between 1-5 days. Notably, Teritip Village in Balikpapan City recorded the longest duration of dry weather, with five consecutive days without rain.
In a related weather update, the BMKG of Tanjungpinang City has reported that the sea waves around Bintan Island are expected to remain low and safe for maritime activities over the weekend. The predicted wave heights, recorded from April 12 to April 14, 2025, range from 0.5 meters to 1.25 meters, making it suitable for shipping.
Arifah Dwi Yuliani, a meteorologist from BMKG Tanjungpinang, explained, "The wave heights are categorized as low, indicating safe conditions for shipping activities." She also mentioned that the weather in the Bintan Island area is generally cloudy, with potential for light to moderate rain in the coming days.
Residents are advised to be cautious of the possible formation of Cumulonimbus (Cb) clouds, which can lead to rain accompanied by lightning, particularly during the morning and afternoon hours. This advisory aims to ensure the safety of individuals engaged in outdoor activities.
Despite recent reports of strong winds, shipping activities around the Sribintan Pura (SbP) Port of Tanjungpinang are reportedly operating normally. Dwi Yanto, the head of the Port Authority, confirmed that all passenger ships have been able to reach their destinations without significant issues, stating, "There were strong winds, but everything remained smooth."
This weekend's predictions for both East Kalimantan and Bintan Island highlight the importance of preparedness in the face of changing weather conditions. As communities brace for the anticipated rainfall in Kaltim and monitor maritime activities in Bintan, local authorities and residents alike are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to mitigate risks associated with severe weather.
In conclusion, the weather forecasts from BMKG provide crucial insights into the conditions expected in East Kalimantan and Bintan Island. With the potential for significant rainfall and maritime activities continuing as normal, vigilance and preparedness remain key in ensuring safety for all residents and travelers in the region.
