Why Does Jakarta Feel Hotter These Days?
The ongoing hot weather in Jakarta can be uncomfortable. It is something you are currently experiencing, right? This weather can make us feel sweaty and tired. However, it is important to understand that hot weather is a natural phenomenon caused by factors like the warm phase of El Niño. Let's discuss it!
Photo: Faith Arighi Arsyadi/Jakarta Smart City
A Brief Overview of El Niño
El Niño is the warm phase that develops in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. It is part of a larger climate pattern known as the ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation). On the flip side, La Niña is the cold phase of this phenomenon.
Also read: La Niña and Jakarta’s Rain Potential
The name El Niño actually comes from Spanish, meaning "the little boy", based on the name of the newborn baby Jesus Christ. It is named since this warm phase tends to occur around Christmas.
Impacts of El Niño on the Weather
Why does El Niño make the weather hot? This is because warm ocean waters spread closer to the surface and release heat into the atmosphere. This released heat is what causes hot air.
El Niño ocean temperature conditions. Source: NOAA/BBC
It is important to note that El Niño affects sea temperatures and local weather, ranging from Australia to South America and surrounding regions. The intensity of El Niño varies from 4–5°F to 14–18°F. This intensity is measured by the Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) used by scientists.
El Niño in Indonesia 2023
The World Meteorological Organization predicts that El Niño will become stronger. Supari, the Coordinator of Climate Variability Analysis at the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi dan Geofisika/BMKG), said, "For the period up to November 2023, El Niño is likely still at a moderate level, but NOAA has stated that there is a more than 70% chance that El Niño will become strong."
This strong El Niño is expected to occur in the fall, around December, January, and February. However, its impact in Indonesia is expected to diminish as the rainy season begins. "The period of strong El Niño is predicted to be short and will coincide with the autumn season, when Indonesia has already entered the rainy season. Therefore, the impact of this strong El Niño in Indonesia will decrease," said Supari.
Tips for Dealing with Hot Weather
Photo: Safina Zora Hassanah/Jakarta Smart City
Hot weather can be a challenge to our stamina. Sometimes, it makes us uncomfortable. However, there are some steps that can help you cope with it. Below are some tips, come check them out!
Hot weather causes the loss of body fluids. If left unattended, it can lead to dehydration, so remember to drink water!
Dress to impress and bless yourself. If your body retains too much heat, you will not feel comfortable. So, it is better to wear lightweight, sweat-absorbing clothing.
During outdoor activities, try to find a place protected from direct sunlight. You can engage in activities in lush green parks surrounded by cool trees. Green open spaces such as parks and urban forests have been provided by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, with efforts to be reached by walking. As of October 2022, more than 420 parks have been built and revitalized. In addition, there are more than 200,000 trees planted. Interested in finding the nearest Green Open Space/Ruang Terbuka Hijau in Jakarta? You can use the features on JAKI, such as the Map feature!
Also read: Relax at Your Favorite Parks With JAKI
There is nothing wrong with carrying accessories that can protect you. Stuff like a hat, umbrella, or sunglasses can shield you from direct sun exposure. Also, applying sunscreen can reduce the risk of skin damage from the hot weather. You can also keep a handheld fan to create airflow, which will help you cool down.
So, that is what you need to know about the current hot weather. Whilst waiting for the situation to improve, take those effective tips above to deal with it!
Moreover, let us remember how important it is to protect the environment as we adapt to the current weather. In fact, with simple actions such as reducing carbon emissions and greening our cities, we can make a positive contribution to maintaining the sustainability of our earth. Most importantly, stay safe and remember to take care of yourself!
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