High Waves Across Java`s Southern Coast May Persist Until August
June 20, 2016
Yogyakarta's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) is advising local residents across Yogyakarta's southern coast to exercise extra caution as high tidal waves are expected to persist for the next three months.
"Although damaging tidal waves that had wrecked several areas across Yogyakarta's southern coast in recent weeks have already begun to subside, we predict that similarly damaging phenomena may still occur until August 2016," said a Coordinator for Yogyakarta's BMKG Climatology Observation Post, Joko Budiono on Saturday, June 18, 2016.
According to Budiono, wind speeds across Yogyakarta's southern coast have begun to decrease, as the high-pressure front that originated from Australia's southwestern waters have ceased to cause gale-force winds across the seas between Indonesia and Australia.
Currently, continued Budiono, wind speeds in Cilacap's southern coast is averaging between eight to 10 knots - whipping up waves between 1.5 to 2.5 metres in the high seas.
"Meanwhile, wind speeds across the Indian Ocean that borders Central Java's southern coast is averaging between 10-18 knots," he said. "Waves between 2.5 to 3.5 metres in height have been reported across these waters."
Despite the relatively calmer conditions, continued Budiono, both residents and tourists are advised to exercise extra caution as weather patterns can instantaneously change without warning, and freak weather conditions could suddenly occur without any warning.
"Based on our climatology records that measures the maximum height of waves across Java's southern coast, high waves are to be expected between the months of June and August," said Budiono. "As such, BMKG advises beach-goers and residents to remain vigilant, at least until August passes."
"Strong, easterly air current that prevails between these months may whip up high waves without any warning," said Budiono. "Fishermen, tourists, and coastal residents should be aware of these conditions - especially since the number of tourists usually swells in July."
ANTARA
