Tourists Urged to heed Weather Warnings Amid High Waves in Bali

Bali, Indonesia — As Bali braces for rough maritime conditions, tourists and locals alike are being warned to take necessary precautions following severe weather forecasts for the central and southern regions of the island. Authorities have anticipated high waves along Bali’s coast, particularly affecting the Badung Strait — the busiest boat crossing area on the island.

Cahyo Nugroho, the Head of the Bali Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency, addressed the press on Sunday evening, February 2nd, sharing that forecast models predict wave heights reaching between 4 to 6 meters starting February 3rd and continuing for several days thereafter.

Severe Conditions Expected

The full impact of the weather system is anticipated to cause significant disturbances in local marine activities. Nugroho emphasized the importance of vigilance, stating, “The general public, fishermen, and marine tourism operators [must be] aware of the potential for increased wind speeds in the northern and southern waters of Bali.”

Wind speeds are expected to soar to about 40 knots (approximately 74 kilometers per hour), predominantly blowing from a west-northwesterly direction. This surge in wind and wave activity is likely to affect major transportation routes across the Badung Strait, which serves as the primary passage for tourists traveling to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan, as well as areas adjacent to the Bali Sea and the Lombok Strait.

Key Recommendations for Tourists

Tourists planning to travel by boat are strongly advised to check in with their ferry or fast boat providers on the morning of their scheduled trips. Operators may delay or cancel services if sea conditions are deemed unsafe. Most companies are expected to offer refunds or reschedule journeys, though it’s important for travelers to review the terms and conditions of their tickets.

Additionally, beaches in the central and southern areas of Bali will see high waves, and safety precautions should be taken. Visitors are encouraged to heed safety flags and any warnings present on the beaches, which are designed to protect both locals and visitors.

Understanding the Causes of the Severe Weather

Nugroho attributed the severe weather conditions to equatorial Rossby waves, a phenomenon that generates ocean waves influenced by atmospheric changes around the equator. These waves are known to facilitate the formation of rain clouds, contributing to the island’s ongoing monsoon season.

Bali is currently experiencing one of its most severe monsoon seasons in recent history, with local communities affected by widespread flooding in famous tourist destinations such as Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, and Canggu. The frequency of monsoon-related natural disasters has raised alarm, impacting lives and infrastructure.

A History of Recent Natural Disasters

Several tragedies have been reported since the start of the rainy season. In December, two tourists were tragically killed after a tree fell in the Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary during severe weather. That same month, a beloved elephant from Bali Zoo lost its life due to flash flooding.

In response to these escalating events, Acting Governor of Bali, Sang Made Mahendra Jaya, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to disseminating weather information diligently. “We try to socialize information, weather forecasts, and potential disaster risks so that people are more aware of the latest conditions,” he remarked.

Staying Informed

Tourists are encouraged to utilize international weather applications to stay informed about current conditions and to follow the Bali Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency for real-time updates and forecasts. The agency provides a tourist weather forecast in English, ensuring that both visitors and the local populace can remain aware of any impending hazards.

As weather conditions continue to develop, it remains crucial for everyone on the island to stay alert and informed to ensure safety during their travels in Bali.