Early Warning from BMKG: West Sumatra Facing Extreme Weather until the End of November 2025

The heavy rain that has been pouring over West Sumatra, particularly Padang City, since yesterday (November 21), is projected to continue until the end of this month. Through this article, let's discuss the reasons behind this heavy rainfall in Minangkabau Land.

 

Uda Uni (Brother and Sister),

Usually, if heavy rain falls for a day and night, the Minangkabau Land tends to clear up the next morning. However, who would have thought that the heavy rain soaking almost all of West Sumatera is projected to continue until the end of November 2025?

The Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) confirms that West Sumatra is currently under the influence of an extraordinarily strong natural combination. This condition is driving the occurrence of extreme weather that has the potential to trigger disasters such as floods and landslides.

This high-intensity condition is expected to persist until next week, and possibly even until the end of November 2025.

 

Three Main Factors Triggering Extreme Weather in Ranah Minang

BMKG explains that the current extreme weather in West Sumatera is not just a local phenomenon, but a result of a combination of three main triggers working simultaneously, all leading to one goal: creating super-thick rain clouds.

 

1. Strengthening of the Asian Monsoon: A Supply of Water Vapor from the North

Uda Uni might have heard the term Asian Monsoon. This wind system brings the rainy season. During this period, the Asian Monsoon is currently in its phase of maximum strengthening. It is as if the Monsoon is sending a large train heavily loaded with water vapor and moisture across the Indian Ocean, heading directly toward the west coast of Sumatra.

 

2. Convergence with the Barisan Mountains

When the moist air mass carried by the Monsoon moves eastward and meets the imposing Barisan Mountain range, this humid air is forced to rise higher. This process is called orographic lifting. Warm air from the sea meeting the cold temperatures at higher altitudes immediately condenses, creating a cloud factory that produces heavy rain, and even storms, in the hilly regions and surrounding areas.

 

3. Energy Boost from the Ocean: Negative IOD

This condition is further exacerbated by support from the ocean, namely the Negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). This anomaly causes the sea surface temperature in the waters west of West Sumatera to be recorded as warmer.

This Negative IOD phenomenon is like a stove heating water, which significantly adds a supply of water vapor and energy for the formation of rain clouds. The Equatorial Rossby Wave phenomenon also contributes as a pump that strengthens the growth of convective clouds.

 

Call for Preparedness for People in West Sumatera

BMKG also warns that with such heavy rainfall intensity persisting consecutively, the risk of hydrometeorological disasters increases manifold. We certainly must not let our guard down against the possibility of unfortunate events.

* Landslide Alert: Heavy rain in West Sumatera is indeed synonymous with landslides. For Uda Uni residing on slopes or at the foot of hills, please remain vigilant against ground movement. Prepare yourselves, family members, and necessary belongings sufficiently, in case evacuation becomes necessary.

* Flood Readiness: For Uda Uni living near rivers, the threat of flash floods must also be watched out for. Always monitor information while preparing yourselves in case evacuation is required.

* Caution on the Road: Heavy rain certainly should not prevent us from carrying out activities outside the home. Don't forget to prepare an umbrella, raincoat, change of clothes, and any other preparations that may be needed. Reduce vehicle speed and continuously monitor information on road sections that may already be affected by flooding.

 

Natural conditions sometimes cannot be avoided. Let's take care of ourselves, our family members, and our immediate environment to avoid any unwanted misfortunes. Don't forget to always monitor information through BMKG and trusted local media accounts. Greetings from Padang!

Source of Information: BMKG Minangkabau Class II Meteorological Station