Yogyakarta faces severe drought risk due to strong El Nino

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has warned that a very strong El Nino condition is likely to cause prolonged and severe drought in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) through December.

As of late August 2026, several areas within DIY have entered meteorological drought warnings. Yogyakarta City, Kulon Progo, Bantul, and Gunungkidul are under ‘Awas’ (Extreme) status, while Sleman is at ‘Siaga’ (Alert) status. An ‘Awas’ status is triggered when a region experiences little to no rainfall for at least 61 days.

Rainfall in the region is expected to remain low through November. In September and October 2026, monthly rainfall is projected to be between 0 and 20 millimeters. While a slight increase is expected in November, levels are still predicted to remain between 0 and 100 millimeters, keeping the entire region below normal rainfall levels.