Several regions in Indonesia, particularly from Java to Bali, have been experiencing scorching heat in recent weeks. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) explained that the high temperatures are linked to the apparent movement of the sun towards the Southern Hemisphere.
“Why does it look so hot now? Because in the south, the sun has shifted, now positioned in the southern part of Indonesia,” said Guswanto, Deputy for Meteorology at BMKG, on Monday (13 October), as quoted from Kompas.com.
He noted that this shift reduces the growth of rain clouds, leaving fewer barriers to block direct sunlight.
“And this also means that rain cloud growth has become rare in the southern region. That’s why it feels hot, there are no clouds blocking direct sunlight,” he added.
Satellite images of Java Island also reflect this phenomenon. Much of the island shows up in bright red, with some areas turning pinkish-white.
According to BMKG, this image represents the intensity of surface heat and the transition from the dry to the rainy season. Central Java is one of the regions most affected by the shift.
The agency also highlighted that Indonesia is currently in a transitional period. Morning and afternoon temperatures are rising due to strong solar radiation, while rain may still fall in the evening as convective clouds such as Cumulonimbus begin to develop.
This marks the changing season, often associated with unstable and unpredictable weather.
BMKG recorded some of the highest temperatures in major cities. Jakarta reached 35°C, while Surabaya and Sidoarjo in East Java experienced up to 36°C.
Central Java cities such as Semarang, Grobogan, and Sragen also reported temperatures between 34°C and 35°C. Bali and Nusa Tenggara recorded similar highs of around 35°C.
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When Will the Scorching Heat Subside?
BMKG expects the extreme heat to ease towards the end of October 2025, coinciding with the arrival of the rainy season.
“The extreme heat will likely begin to subside at the end of October to early November, with the arrival of the rainy season and increased cloud cover,” said BMKG Head Dwikorita Karnawati on Tuesday (14 October), as quoted from Detiknews.
The BMKG added that while the heat is uncomfortable, current temperature ranges remain within normal limits for Indonesia, generally between 31°C and 34°C. The key difference is the lack of cloud cover, which makes the heat feel stronger on the surface.
In addition, BMKG predicts that a weak La Niña phenomenon will develop between October 2025 and January 2026. This could bring gradual increases in rainfall, particularly in regions with warmer sea temperatures.
“Predictions indicate increased rainfall from November to January, especially in areas with warm sea temperatures, which could trigger increased rainfall,” Dwikorita said.
For the public, BMKG has issued guidance to reduce risks during the hottest hours. People are advised to limit outdoor activities between 10:00 and 16:00 WIB. If outdoor work or travel is unavoidable, the use of hats, umbrellas, protective clothing, and sunscreen is recommended.
