Tropical Cyclone Narelle Threatens Heavy Rainfall in Indonesia

Jakarta, Indonesia – The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) of Indonesia is forecasting continued rainfall across several regions on Saturday, March 21, 2026, due to the presence of Tropical Cyclone Narelle. While the cyclone is currently located near Australia, it is expected to indirectly impact weather patterns in Indonesia, particularly in eastern regions.

Tropical Cyclone Narelle: Current Status and Forecast

As of March 20, 2026, Tropical Cyclone Narelle is positioned on the north coast of Australia and is predicted to move towards the Gulf of Carpentaria within the next 24 hours . The system is categorized as a Category 2 Tropical Cyclone with maximum wind speeds of 162 km/h and a minimum central pressure of 978 hPa . The BMKG reports that Narelle is triggering the formation of low-level jets, increasing wind speed in the lower atmosphere and enhancing the potential for rain cloud development .

Areas at Risk

The following areas are expected to be directly affected by the cyclone’s influence:

• Arafuru Sea
• South Papua

cyclonic circulation detected in the Indian Ocean southwest of Lampung is contributing to convergence and increased rainfall in Bengkulu and Lampung areas .

Heavy Rainfall Warnings

The BMKG has issued warnings for potential heavy to particularly heavy rainfall in the following regions:

• West Sulawesi
• South Sulawesi
• Maluku
• South Papua

Public Advisory

The BMKG urges the public to exercise increased vigilance, particularly in eastern Indonesia, due to the potential for heavy to very heavy rainfall. Residents in affected areas should stay informed about the latest weather updates and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

Monitoring and Updates

The Center for Tropical Cyclone Warnings Jakarta (TCWC Jakarta) – part of the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics (BMKG) – continues to monitor Tropical Cyclone Narelle and provide updates as the situation evolves .