Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 4 hrs ago
Bantul records 161 days without rain as strong El Niño continues
A station in Pajangan, Bantul, recorded 161 days without rain by early October, the longest such period in Indonesia this year.
Another station in Pundong recorded 159 days, while other monitored locations had gone more than 60 days without rain.
The 161-day stretch is still below Indonesia’s 2015 record of 245 days during another El Niño.
Yogyakarta province’s rainy season is expected to begin about 30 days later than usual, as El Niño remains very strong and is forecast to last into early 2027.
That could extend dry conditions in some areas, while temperatures in the province reached 35.2°C on 3 October, the highest recorded there so far in 2026.
The temperature was below the province’s 2015–2025 high of 36.8°C, recorded in October 2024.
Weather officials warn of possible local heavy rain, strong winds and lightning from 13 to 19 October, and advise people to limit midday sun exposure, drink water and watch for signs of heat illness.
BMKG recorded 161 consecutive days without rain at BPP Pajangan in Bantul, the longest such period reported in Indonesia during the 2026 El Niño.
The data were updated through the first ten-day period of October 2026.
BMKG Yogyakarta climatology chief Mamenun said the El Niño remained at a very strong level and was forecast to continue into early 2027.
The rainy season in Yogyakarta province is expected to begin at least 30 days later than the 1991–2020 climatological average.
BMKG said the 161-day dry spell is below the 245-day record set in 2015.
- Who
- BMKG recorded the dry spell at BPP Pajangan in Bantul.
- What
- The location had 161 consecutive days without rain, the longest period reported in Indonesia during the 2026 El Niño.
- When
- Data updated through the first ten-day period of October 2026 showed 161 days without rain.
- Where
- BPP Pajangan, Bantul, in Yogyakarta province, Indonesia.
- Why
- BMKG said the dry season and a very strong El Niño were factors; the El Niño was forecast to continue into early 2027.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
BMKG data showed 161 days without rain at BPP Pajangan.
Yogyakarta recorded a maximum temperature of 35.2 degrees Celsius, its highest so far in 2026.
BMKG said heavy rain, strong winds and lightning were possible locally.
Mamenun told CNN Indonesia that El Niño remained very strong and was forecast to persist into early 2027.
- BPP Pajangan dry spell
- 161 days without rain
- SDA Pundong dry spell
- 159 days without rain
- Previous dry-spell record
- 245 days in 2015
- Expected rainy-season delay
- At least 30 days
- Yogyakarta maximum temperature
- 35.2°C on 3 October 2026
What people are saying
The El Niño is still at a very strong level and is predicted to continue until early 2027.
Yes, the days without rain have continued during the dry season, and now El Niño is still at a very strong level.