DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued an early warning over the potential for high waves across several sea areas surrounding Bali, with conditions expected to persist for several days and pose risks to maritime activities.
The warning was released by the Denpasar-based Regional Meteorology Office (BBMKG) Region III and applies to shipping, fisheries, and inter-island sea transportation.
Bali’s waters are considered strategic maritime routes, frequently used by passenger vessels, ferries, logistics ships, and fishing boats, while also supporting marine tourism activities, including sea travel to destinations such as Nusa Penida.
Head of BBMKG Region III Denpasar, Cahyo Nugroho, explained that the high wave conditions are being driven by strong wind patterns affecting Bali’s surrounding seas.
“Wind patterns over southern Bali waters are moving from the southwest to the northwest, with speeds reaching up to 30 knots,” Cahyo said in Denpasar on Thursday (8/1).
Based on BMKG analysis, the conditions are forecast to occur between January 9 and January 12, 2026. Strong winds are expected to directly contribute to increased wave heights, particularly in open waters and major straits around Bali.
BMKG noted that at least three sea areas in southern Bali have the potential to experience wave heights of up to four meters. These conditions are considered hazardous, especially for smaller vessels and marine activities that rely on stable sea conditions.
In addition to the southern waters, strong winds have also been observed in northern Bali waters. Wind patterns in the northern region are similarly forecast to move from the southwest to the northwest, with speeds reaching up to 30 knots, or approximately 55 kilometers per hour.
For northern Bali waters, as well as the Badung Strait and the northern section of the Lombok Strait, BMKG estimates wave heights could reach up to 2.5 meters.
Authorities are advising maritime operators, fishermen, and sea transport services to closely monitor official weather updates and exercise caution during the forecast period, particularly in areas prone to higher wave activity.