West Java faces widespread drought, Losari endures 48 rainless days

A significant portion of West Java is grappling with drought conditions, as 56% of the province recorded no rainfall during the first ten days of July 2026. This period, known as a 'dasarian,' saw moderate drought conditions, defined as 1 to 20 days without rain, across much of the region.

The most severe impact is felt in Losari, Cirebon Regency, where residents have endured 48 consecutive days without any precipitation. Additionally, 12% of West Java is experiencing very long dry spells, lasting between 31 and 60 days. These prolonged dry periods are concentrated in western Bekasi, central Karawang, northern Purwakarta, and scattered locations in Subang, Indramayu, Majalengka, Sumedang, Garut, Bandung Regency, Cianjur, and Sukabumi.

Another 18% of the province faces a long drought, characterized by 21 to 30 rainless days. These areas include the borders of Bekasi and northern Karawang, northeastern Subang, northern Purwakarta, southern Cianjur and Bandung Regency, southern Majalengka, and Kuningan.

While the global El Nino phenomenon suggests reduced rainfall for Indonesia, including West Java, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) forecasts localized light to moderate rain in the coming week. This is attributed to atmospheric dynamics like the Equatorial Rossby wave and warm sea surface temperatures. However, overall rainfall in West Java is expected to continue its downward trend, with the second ten days of July predicted to see low rainfall intensity across the province.

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Generally, rainfall in West Java tends to decrease, but the potential for light to moderate intensity rain can still occur locally, especially in the afternoon to evening in some areas.