After a brief lull in rainfall during the early hours, today’s weather pattern has shifted toward a more volatile phase.
BMKG has issued an early warning for heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and strong, damaging winds of short duration. With ground conditions still saturated from previous days, soil stability across Central Bali remains critical, keeping the risk of secondary landslides at a very high level.
1. Daily Forecast Summary & RealFeel
(Sources: AccuWeather & Weather Underground)
| Parameter | Today’s Forecast | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Air Temperature | 24°C – 30°C | Temperatures will drop as heavy rain develops from midday |
| RealFeel Temperature | Up to 34°C | Extremely humid and oppressive conditions before storms break |
| Peak Rainfall | 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM WITA | Thunderstorms expected across most parts of Bali |
| Wind Speed | 25 – 50 km/h | Strong and gusty southwesterly winds |
2. Area-Specific Weather Outlook
(Sources: Windy.com & BMKG)
Ubud & Gianyar – RED STATUS
Following the road collapse near the Dewa Indra Statue (18 December), today’s rainfall poses a serious threat to remaining soil structures. Avoid cliff edges, steep slopes, and unstable road shoulders.
Canggu, Kuta & Seminyak
High potential for localized flooding in low-lying streets. Strong coastal winds may lift or displace light objects at villas, beach clubs, and outdoor restaurants.
Uluwatu & The Bukit Peninsula
Strong winds remain the primary hazard. Visibility during heavy rain may drop below 50 meters, creating dangerous conditions for motorcyclists.
Kintamani & Bedugul
Persistent heavy rain combined with thick fog throughout the day. Hiking and outdoor activities are strongly discouraged.
3. Red Zones: Disaster & Safety Warnings
(Source: BMKG Hydrometeorological Analysis)
Geological Hazard – Landslides
Focus areas include Ubud, Tegallalang, and Payangan. Soil has reached full saturation; even minor ground movement should be treated as a serious warning sign.
Falling Trees Risk
In light of recent incidents at Puspem Badung, parking under roadside trees or large billboards is strongly discouraged during peak wind hours between 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM WITA.
Thunderstorm Hazard
Seek shelter inside solid buildings immediately when thunder is heard. Avoid standing under trees or remaining in open areas such as fields and beaches.
4. Maritime & Transportation Update
(Source: Windy.com – ECMWF Model)
- Wave Height: Southern Bali waters are forecast at 3.5 – 5.0 meters
- Marine Activities: Surfing, snorkeling, and other ocean-based tourism activities are strongly discouraged
- Fast Boat Services: Sanur–Nusa Penida/Lembongan crossings face a high risk of delays or sudden cancellations for safety reasons
- Traffic Conditions: Central Ubud main roads remain fully closed. Severe congestion is expected along alternative routes through Mas Village, driven by increased Christmas holiday traffic
5. Actionable Safety Tips
- Christmas Eve Plans: If you have dinner reservations in open-air venues, confirm indoor backup options. Storm activity is expected to continue into the evening.
- Wildlife Awareness: Heavy rain increases wildlife movement. As seen in recent viral footage of monitor lizards near the coast, animals may appear unexpectedly while seeking shelter.
- Driving Safety: Use full rain gear rather than ponchos. Avoid stopping under bridges or underpasses, as this can quickly trigger dangerous traffic bottlenecks.
6. Safety Advice for Expats and Tourists in Bali
- Avoid non-essential travel during peak storm hours, especially to Ubud, Gianyar, Kintamani, and other hilly areas where landslide risk remains high following Tuesday’s rainfall.
- Do not rely solely on map apps. Several road closures and local traffic diversions may not be reflected in real time. Always check local updates or Hey Bali News before departing.
- Choose indoor activities. Beach visits, cliff walks, rice field trekking, and waterfall trips are strongly discouraged due to lightning, flash flooding, and unstable terrain.
- Secure accommodation surroundings. Expats and long-stay visitors should check drainage, remove loose objects from balconies, and avoid parking vehicles under trees or near steep slopes.
- Sea travel requires extra caution. Fast boat schedules to Nusa Penida and Lembongan may change without notice. Confirm directly with operators and prepare for same-day cancellations.
- Emergency readiness. Keep a charged phone, power bank, and local emergency numbers accessible. If heavy rain intensifies suddenly, remain indoors and avoid moving until conditions improve.
Data Sources & Forecast Models
- BMKG: Official early warnings and hydrometeorological risk assessment
- Windy.com: ECMWF & GFS wind and swell modeling
- AccuWeather: RealFeel temperature and hourly precipitation radar
- The Weather Channel / Weather Underground: Community station and hyperlocal observations