Bali authorities have issued a public warning urging both locals and tourists to exercise caution. High waves, reaching up to 2.5 meters, are expected to impact the island's coastal regions through Thursday.
The head of Bali's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Office (BBMKG) highlighted that wind patterns across Bali's northern waters are relatively mild, with speeds ranging from 2 to 15 knots from the south and southwest. In contrast, the southern parts of the island are experiencing stronger winds, blowing from the south to the west at 4 to 15 knots. The most intense gusts are recorded around the Bali Strait, Lombok Strait, and the southern waters of Bali.
BBMKG has warned about dangerous conditions in the southern Bali Strait, Badung Strait, and southern Lombok Strait, where wave heights may reach up to 2.5 meters. These conditions are deemed risky for maritime navigation, including small boats and larger vessels. Tourists and local fishermen are especially advised to stay alert due to the unpredictable sea conditions.
Additional concerns have been raised regarding the potential disruption of marine traffic. For example, fishing boats are at risk when wind speeds reach 15 knots and wave heights hit 1.25 meters. Furthermore, larger tugboats may face challenges with winds exceeding 16 knots and waves up to 1.5 meters. Extreme weather events such as heavy rain, lightning, and short bursts of strong winds are also anticipated in the coming days.
Bali's weather will generally remain cloudy, with heavy rain expected to develop by the afternoon and last into the evening. The weather patterns are influenced by the Madden-Julian Oscillation, which increases cloud formation and rainfall across the island. Winds are forecast to continue from the south and west at 4-30 km/h.
Residents, tourists encouraged to follow weather alerts
The head of BBMKG also emphasized that residents and tourists should be prepared for possible flooding, landslides, and falling trees, which could accompany the extreme weather. He urged the public to remain updated through official weather alerts and cautious of worsening conditions.
At the same time, local beach patrol authorities have reassured visitors that conditions at Samigita Beach are currently stable. However, precautionary measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of beachgoers. Authorities have urged swimmers to stick to designated safe zones, marked by red and yellow flags, and to avoid areas with dangerous currents. These measures are intended to prevent accidents due to sudden changes in sea conditions.
Local officials emphasized that tourists' safety is a top priority and called for cooperation in following the established guidelines to ensure everyone's well-being. They also reminded tourists to always heed the advice of lifeguards and respect warning flags posted along the coastline.