The frost phenomenon has reportedly begun to blanket the area near the peak of Mount Gede as the dry season begins in Indonesia. In addition to a drastic drop in air temperature, residents in the Puncak area, Bogor Regency, are now also experiencing stronger wind gusts and much colder water temperatures compared to the rainy season.
Head of BMKG Citeko-Cisarua, Fatuhri, explained that this weather condition is triggered by periodic seasonal changes, where the southern hemisphere, particularly the Australian continent, is currently experiencing the peak of winter. A significant difference in air pressure drives the cold and dry air mass from the Australian landmass to blow towards the Indonesian region.
"It is this cold air mass from Australia that we are currently experiencing as quite strong and cold wind gusts from the southeast," said Fatuhri on Thursday (23/7/2026). The dry characteristics of this wind also trigger a drastic reduction in the supply of water vapor in the atmosphere, making rain cloud formation minimal across most parts of Java.
The clear atmospheric conditions without cloud cover trigger a very rapid release of geothermal heat into space at night. As a result, air temperatures in several highlands on Java Island can plunge sharply below 5 degrees Celsius during the night and early morning, triggering the formation of ice crystals or frost on leaf surfaces.
In Bogor Regency, the management of Mount Gede Pangrango National Park (TNGGP) confirmed the occurrence of this frost phenomenon around the peak area. Anticipating the risk of hypothermia, BMKG urges hikers and residents active in mountainous areas to prepare adequate warming equipment and continue monitoring the latest weather updates.
