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View all search resultsHailstorm in Jambi not linked to weather modification efforts, BMKG says
BMKG’s weather modification deputy supervisor, Fikri Nur Muhammad, attributed the hailstorm to the rapid formation of a cumulonimbus cloud over the region.
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Watchful eye: A staff member observes data updates in the operational room of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). (The Jakarta Post/Seto Wardhana)
T
he Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has denied reports that the unusual hailstorm that struck a district in Jambi on Tuesday and damaged dozens of homes was caused by its ongoing weather modification efforts aimed at preventing forest fires.
BMKG’s weather modification deputy supervisor, Fikri Nur Muhammad, attributed the hailstorm to the rapid formation of a cumulonimbus cloud over the region.
“The phenomenon was further intensified by the convergence of atmospheric and Kelvin waves, which significantly increased the potential for heavy rainfall,” Fikri said on Thursday, as quoted by Kompas.com.
Kelvin waves are eastward-moving disturbances along the equator, typically traveling at about 10–20 meters per second with wavelengths spanning thousands of kilometers. They are closely associated with enhanced atmospheric convection, cloud formation and rainfall. When these waves intersect with local atmospheric instability, they significantly elevate the likelihood of extreme weather phenomena.
Read also: ‘Dry season’ floods nationwide highlight climate crisis
Fikri has urged Jambi residents to remain vigilant, warning that current atmospheric conditions remain highly dynamic and could lead to further extreme weather events.
“Our forecasts indicate that moderate to heavy rainfall is likely in eastern and northern parts of Jambi over the next week," he said.
