DENPASAR, Bali, 18 December 2025 — An intense weather system is currently active over the Island of the Gods. Heavy rains and strong winds, which began around 2:00 PM local time, are sweeping across several key tourist areas and will persist into the late afternoon.
This event marks a continuation of the volatile conditions that have impacted Bali for over a week. While the official extreme weather alert period issued by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) is slated to end today, residents and visitors are urged to remain on high alert. Authorities warn that the broader risk of heavy rainfall, flooding, and strong winds is forecast to extend through the Christmas and New Year holiday period and into early 2026.
Areas Currently Under Warning
The BMKG has issued a “Nowcasting” warning for intense, short-term weather effective until 5:00 PM today. The following regencies and specific areas are under the alert:
- Badung Regency: Kuta, Kuta Selatan, Kuta Utara, Mengwi, Abiansemal
- Denpasar City: All districts (Denpasar Utara, Selatan, Barat, Timur)
- Gianyar Regency: Ubud, Tegallalang, Sukawati, Blahbatuh
- Tabanan Regency: Several districts including Tabanan and Marga
- Other areas include parts of Jembrana and Buleleng
The BMKG advises that the heavy rain, which may include lightning and strong gusts, could expand to other popular areas such as Petang, Klungkung (including Nusa Penida), Bangli, and Karangasem.
Context: A Prolonged Period of Extreme Weather
Today’s downpour is not an isolated incident. Bali is in the midst of its peak rainy season, which is being intensified by a combination of climatic factors, including a weak La Niña phenomenon and a negative Indian Ocean Dipole. The recent severe flooding across the island has been linked to the indirect effects of Tropical Cyclone Seed 93S in the Indian Ocean.
- Recent Impacts: In the past week, five of Bali’s nine regencies have experienced flooding, leading to evacuations, significant property damage, and tragic fatalities. Over 65,000 lightning strikes were recorded in the province between December 8 and 14.
- Ongoing Risks: The Bali Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has explicitly stated that “flooding still has the potential to occur in the coming days”. The agency’s head has highlighted that Bali’s drainage systems and spatial planning are not yet fully prepared to handle such intense rainfall.
Critical Guidance for Travelers and Expatriates
For the safety of Bali’s international community and visitors, authorities and observers issue the following urgent advice:
- Avoid High-Risk Zones: Steer clear of known flood-prone streets, riverbanks, and coastal areas with high waves. Specifically, exercise extreme caution on roads like Dewi Sri in Badung and areas surrounding the Tukad Mati river in Legian.
- Reconsider Outdoor Plans: Postpone non-essential travel, hiking, trekking, and all ocean activities. The National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) has advised against water activities until at least January.
- Prepare for Disruptions: Anticipate and plan for potential flight delays, ferry cancellations, and severe traffic congestion, especially on roads leading to and from the airport.
- Stay Informed: Continuously monitor official updates. Follow real-time alerts from the BMKG on their website or social media (@infoBMKG), and heed all instructions from local authorities.
“The current weather is a severe stress test for Bali’s infrastructure,” says Giostanovlatto, founder of Hey Bali. “For tourists and expats, it fundamentally changes the calculus of a holiday. The priority must shift from chasing itineraries to managing risk. The romantic idea of a tropical downpour has been replaced by the reality of flooded streets and genuine safety concerns. Vigilance is not optional—it’s essential.”
The island’s famous resilience is being challenged not by a single storm, but by a sustained atmospheric pattern. While blue skies will return, the immediate forecast requires patience, preparation, and a significant measure of caution.
Hey Bali News provides timely, factual reporting on environmental and safety issues for Bali’s international community. For our previous daily forecast, please visit our Weather Report for Wednesday, 18 December 2025.
