PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The 2026 dry season in West Java is predicted to arrive earlier and be drier than normal. This was stated by Teguh Rahayu, Head of the Bandung Class I Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), based on an analysis of atmospheric dynamics and climate prediction models for the normal period 1991–2020.

According to Teguh, the start of the dry season in West Java is expected to occur gradually from March to June 2026, with most areas entering the dry season in May 2026.

"In general, most areas of West Java are predicted to experience below-normal rainfall, with the peak of the dry season expected to occur in August 2026 and a dry season duration of around 13 to 15 decades, even tending to be longer than normal," Teguh said when confirmed on Monday, March 16, 2026.

Based on BMKG data, approximately 56 percent of West Java is expected to enter the dry season in May 2026. Meanwhile, approximately 66 percent of the region is predicted to experience the start of the dry season earlier than the climatological average.

The areas that will enter the dry season first in March 2026 include small parts of Bekasi and Karawang. Furthermore, in April 2026, the dry season is expected to extend to Bekasi, Karawang, Purwakarta, Subang, Indramayu, and parts of Cirebon.

Then, in May to June 2026, the dry season is predicted to extend to most areas of West Java, including Bogor, Sukabumi, Cianjur, Greater Bandung, Garut, Sumedang, Tasikmalaya, Pangandaran, Majalengka, Kuningan, Ciamis and Banjar.

The BMKG also noted that around 93 percent of West Java is predicted to experience drier conditions than normal. Furthermore, around 81 percent of the region is expected to experience a longer dry season.

Given these conditions, a number of potential impacts need to be anticipated early, including meteorological drought, reduced availability of clean water, disruptions to agricultural irrigation systems, and an increased risk of forest and land fires.

Therefore, the BMKG urges local governments and the public to take anticipatory measures, such as optimizing water resource management and adjusting planting calendars in the agricultural sector.

This seasonal forecast information is expected to serve as a reference for agricultural planning, water management, and disaster mitigation in West Java ahead of this year's dry season. (Bandung City Communications and Information Office/rka)