According to a BMKG analysis released on July 20, several districts—including Paser, Kutai Kartanegara, and parts of Kutai Timur—have officially entered the dry season.
Head of the BMKG's Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman (SAMS) Sepinggan Balikpapan Station, Kukuh Ribudiyanto, noted that hotspots indicating potential wildfires have been detected amid the lack of rainfall.
On July 29, eight hotspots with a high level of confidence were found in Kutai Timur and Berau, while over 100 other hotspots with low and moderate confidence levels were also recorded.
Ribudiyanto added that although almost all parts of East Kalimantan have experienced drought over the past 10 days, this year's dry season is not entirely arid.
Low-intensity rainfall is still possible, but it is expected to be unevenly distributed across the province.
"Low-intensity rain is expected to occur in August and September, but we need to remain cautious about a water deficit or drought until early October," he said, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance.
Translator: Arumanto, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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