The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) says higher intensity rain is expected to hit Jakarta and surrounding cities in August, creating the threat of serious flooding in the capital.

BMKG spokesman Harry Tirto said on Monday that downpours in Jakarta next month could measure between 200 and 300 millimeters a day, compared to between 100 and 150 millimeters in June.

The BMKG categorizes 0 to 100 mm per day as low intensity rainfall, 101 to 300 mm as medium and anything above 400 mm as very high.

In August, high intensity rainfall is also expected to occur in provinces such as Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, Riau Islands, Bangka Belitung, South Sumatra, Jambi, Lampung, Banten and West Java.

Harry said Jakarta’s rainfall was often caused by wind convergence in western Indonesia that sparked the production of cloud above the capital and surrounding cities.

“The dry season in Jakarta usually starts in April. Unusual rains were partly caused by wind convergence in western Indonesia. The wind convergence triggers the sea temperature, which affects rainfall,” Harry told The Jakarta Post on Monday.

He said flooding and landslides could occur in certain areas of the city, particularly in South Jakarta, West Jakarta and South Tangerang.

“Residents who live in Jagakarsa, Kebagusan, Srengseng Sawah and Ulujami, all in South Jakarta, and Kembangan in West Jakarta should pay attention to potential flooding and landslides,” Harry said. (rez/bbn)