{"id":6388,"date":"2026-04-07T20:02:33","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T12:02:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/heybali.info\/news\/?p=6388"},"modified":"2026-04-07T20:02:35","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T12:02:35","slug":"el-nino-2026-could-bring-a-drier-bali-bmkg-warns-of-increased-drought-risk-in-buleleng-and-nusa-penida","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/heybali.info\/news\/el-nino-2026-could-bring-a-drier-bali-bmkg-warns-of-increased-drought-risk-in-buleleng-and-nusa-penida\/","title":{"rendered":"El Nino 2026 Could Bring a Drier Bali: BMKG Warns of Increased Drought Risk in Buleleng and Nusa Penida"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

DENPASAR, Bali <\/strong>\u2014 Parts of Bali may face a noticeably drier dry season this year, as Indonesia\u2019s meteorological agency warns that a developing El Nino pattern could reduce rainfall across key regions of the island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG<\/a>) says the 2026 El Nino, although expected to remain relatively weak, is likely to influence weather conditions between May and October\u2014particularly in areas already prone to low rainfall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Aminudin Al Roniri, head of Bali\u2019s climatology station, the impact will not be evenly distributed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Northern Bali, especially the coastal areas of Buleleng Regency, is expected to be among the most affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHistorically, northern Bali is the most vulnerable to drought during the dry season,\u201d Aminudin said on April 7, citing long-term climatological data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Districts such as Gerokgak, Kubutambahan, and Tejakula\u2014stretching along Buleleng\u2019s coastline\u2014are identified as areas where reduced rainfall could become more pronounced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nusa Penida and South Bali Also at Risk<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The impact is not limited to the north.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BMKG also points to Nusa Penida, the island district southeast of Bali, as another area likely to experience drier-than-usual conditions. Known for its rugged terrain and limited freshwater resources, Nusa Penida is particularly sensitive to shifts in rainfall patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parts of southern Badung, including South Kuta\u2014home to some of Bali\u2019s most visited coastal destinations\u2014may also see reduced precipitation during the dry season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThese regions are naturally drier compared to other parts of Bali. With rainfall predicted to be below normal this year, the effect becomes more significant,\u201d Aminudin explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Subtle but Important Shift<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While the projected El Nino is categorized as weak, its influence should not be underestimated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

El Nino events typically suppress rainfall across Indonesia, altering seasonal patterns that local agriculture, water systems, and daily life depend on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Bali, where water management already varies significantly between regions, even a moderate reduction in rainfall can have visible effects\u2014especially in areas without robust water infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Illustration
Illustration of drought. Godzilla El Ni\u00f1o 2026 Threatens Bali (Hey Bali)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

No Official Drought Warning\u2014For Now<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Despite the outlook, BMKG has not issued an official drought warning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The island is currently in a seasonal transition period, and authorities say it is too early to declare a meteorological drought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are still in the transition phase. A formal early warning will be issued once the indicators are met,\u201d Aminudin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What This Means for Travelers and Residents<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For visitors and expatriates in Bali, the forecast does not signal disruption\u2014but it does offer context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A drier season can mean:<\/p>\n\n\n\n