Indonesia’s weather agency has warned that El Niño conditions are expected to last through early 2027, intensifying the risk of forest and land fires across the country.
Increased Hotspots
More than 5,000 hotspots were detected as of July 29, a sharp increase compared to previous El Niño years in 2015, 2019, and 2023. The provinces of West Kalimantan, South Papua, and Riau recorded the most hotspots.
The agency has conducted weather modification operations in several areas to reduce the risk of fires and limit their impact. Dry spells have been recorded across much of the country, with the longest stretch without rain reaching 80 days in Purworejo regency in Central Java.
The risk of forest and land fires is expected to peak from August to September, particularly on the islands of Sumatra and Kalimantan, before gradually easing from October to November when higher rainfall is expected to return to some areas.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
