Heat wave to affect much of Java, outer islands

A heat wave that will see temperatures up to 35 degrees Celsius will hit several areas on Java and Nusa Tenggara, the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG) reported Friday. The heat wave is expected to last up to two months. It has the potential to last that long, BMG spokesman Kukuh Ribudyanto told kompas.com

He said the Earth's equator was now directly in line with the sun. The temperature will nonetheless fluctuate though, depending on cloud coverage, Kukuh said. BMG has recorded a significant increase in temperature in many regions of the country in the last two days, with temperatures hitting 35 degrees in Kalijati, Semarang, and Madiun.

Central Jakarta saw temperatures hit 36 degrees this week, while temperatures reached 38 degrees in Jatiwangi, West Java. Kukuh said the heat wave was part of the normal weather cycle, adding that the public should take necessary measures to avoid sunburn.

"It is quite dangerous for your skin, but perfect for drying your laundry," Kukuh said.

_{©The Jakarta Post}