Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has warned that the country could face a powerful El Nino Godzilla phenomenon in 2026, potentially triggering a hotter and drier dry season that may arrive earlier than usual and create widespread environmental and health challenges across the archipelago.
The warning has raised concerns among health experts and climate observers who fear that prolonged heatwaves, declining rainfall and worsening air quality could increase the risk of serious illnesses, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children, older adults and people with chronic medical conditions.
According to BMKG, the possible emergence of El Nino Godzilla could significantly alter weather patterns throughout Indonesia by reducing rainfall intensity and extending dry season conditions in many regions.
The term “El Nino Godzilla” is commonly used to describe an exceptionally strong El Nino event capable of disrupting global climate systems on a massive scale.
Citing information published by The Independent, El Nino occurs when sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean rise abnormally, affecting atmospheric circulation and weather conditions around the world.
For Indonesia, such conditions often lead to prolonged drought, hotter temperatures and reduced precipitation.
In previous strong El Nino years, Indonesia experienced severe dry seasons that contributed to water shortages, declining agricultural productivity, forest and land fires, and worsening air pollution.
BMKG warned that similar conditions could re-emerge if the 2026 El Nino intensifies into a major climate event.
Beyond environmental impacts, experts are increasingly concerned about the public health consequences associated with extreme heat and dry weather.
Medical specialists warn that rising temperatures force the human body to work harder to regulate internal temperature, while dry air and deteriorating air quality may aggravate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
One of the most dangerous risks associated with extreme heat is heat stroke, a life-threatening medical emergency caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
According to medical information published by Healthline, heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer effectively cool itself, causing body temperature to rise rapidly.
Symptoms may include extremely hot skin, confusion, dizziness, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, seizures and loss of consciousness.
If untreated, heat stroke can cause permanent organ damage or death.
Health experts warn that outdoor workers, elderly individuals, infants and people with pre-existing illnesses are among those most vulnerable during extreme heat events.
Indonesia’s tropical climate already exposes many communities to high humidity and temperatures, meaning a stronger-than-usual dry season could further increase health risks.
Doctors also emphasize that dehydration becomes far more common during prolonged periods of hot weather.
High temperatures accelerate fluid loss through sweating, while many people fail to drink enough water to compensate for the loss.
Dehydration can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, dizziness and impaired concentration.
In severe cases, it may damage kidney function and contribute to dangerous cardiovascular complications.
Health specialists say dehydration can also trigger migraines and headaches.
According to Health Talk, excessive heat and fluid loss disrupt the body’s electrolyte balance and may affect blood vessels in the brain, increasing the likelihood of severe headaches.
People who spend extended periods outdoors under direct sunlight are particularly at risk.
The dry season can also significantly worsen respiratory health.
As humidity decreases, protective mucus layers inside the nose and throat become drier, making airways more vulnerable to irritation.
At the same time, dust particles, vehicle emissions and pollution levels tend to increase during prolonged dry periods.
Forest and land fires, which often intensify during El Nino years, may further deteriorate air quality.
Indonesia has repeatedly experienced severe haze crises linked to peatland and forest fires during strong dry seasons.
Smoke from these fires contains dangerous particulate matter that can travel across regions and even neighboring countries.
Medical experts warn that exposure to polluted air can aggravate asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other respiratory illnesses.
Children and older adults are especially vulnerable because their respiratory systems are more sensitive to pollution and airborne irritants.
Hospitals in several Indonesian regions have historically reported spikes in respiratory infections and breathing-related illnesses during periods of heavy haze.
Another growing concern involves cardiovascular health.
Extreme heat places additional stress on the heart because the body attempts to cool itself by increasing blood circulation toward the skin’s surface.
As a result, the heart must work harder to maintain stable body temperature.
This increased workload can become dangerous for individuals with hypertension, heart disease or other cardiovascular disorders.
Doctors warn that blood pressure may become unstable during heatwaves.
Some individuals experience drops in blood pressure due to fluid loss and dehydration.
Others may experience elevated blood pressure because the cardiovascular system is under greater strain.
Both conditions can increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
A study published in the medical journal Circulation in 2023 found that heat-related cardiovascular deaths could rise dramatically during periods of extreme temperatures.
The study indicated that deaths linked to heat-related cardiovascular complications may increase by as much as 162 percent under severe climate conditions.
Medical experts say climate-related health risks are becoming increasingly important as global temperatures continue rising due to climate change.
Dermatologists also warn that dry air associated with El Nino conditions may damage skin health.
Low humidity reduces the skin’s natural moisture barrier, causing dryness, itching, irritation and flaking.
People with eczema or allergic skin conditions may experience worsening symptoms during prolonged dry seasons.
In some cases, cracked skin may become more susceptible to bacterial infections.
Eye health can also be affected.
Dry weather reduces natural moisture on the eye’s surface, increasing the risk of irritation, redness, burning sensations and itching.
Individuals who spend long hours outdoors in dusty or polluted conditions are especially vulnerable to dry eye syndrome.
Climate experts note that the health impacts of extreme weather events are often underestimated compared with visible environmental effects such as drought or forest fires.
However, prolonged exposure to extreme heat can gradually strain healthcare systems, particularly in densely populated urban areas where temperatures tend to be even higher due to the urban heat island effect.
Major Indonesian cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya and Medan already experience elevated temperatures caused by dense construction, traffic emissions and limited green spaces.
During severe El Nino events, urban residents may face even harsher conditions.
Agricultural communities may also be heavily affected.
Reduced rainfall can disrupt crop production, increase irrigation pressure and threaten food security in several regions.
Farmers often face financial hardship during prolonged droughts because water shortages damage harvests and reduce productivity.
At the same time, rising temperatures can increase the risk of wildfires in vulnerable forest and peatland regions.
Indonesia has repeatedly struggled with large-scale fires during strong El Nino years, particularly in Sumatra and Kalimantan.
These fires not only damage ecosystems but also release enormous amounts of carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
Environmental groups have warned that future El Nino events may become more severe because of broader global climate change trends.
Scientists say warming ocean temperatures and changing atmospheric patterns may contribute to increasingly extreme weather events worldwide.
BMKG continues monitoring Pacific Ocean conditions and climate indicators to assess the potential development of El Nino in 2026.
While uncertainties remain regarding the eventual intensity of the phenomenon, authorities are urging the public to begin preparing for the possibility of hotter and drier weather conditions.
Health officials are encouraging residents to increase water consumption, reduce strenuous outdoor activities during peak daytime heat and wear lightweight clothing to minimize heat exposure.
People are also advised to maintain adequate rest and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight whenever possible.
Medical experts recommend paying close attention to early symptoms of heat exhaustion and dehydration, especially among children and elderly family members.
Communities are additionally encouraged to monitor local air quality conditions during the dry season, particularly if forest or land fires begin occurring.
Authorities say public awareness and early preventive measures will be essential in reducing health risks if Indonesia eventually experiences a major El Nino Godzilla event in 2026.
Although the phenomenon remains under observation, experts warn that preparation is critical because climate-related disasters and health emergencies can escalate rapidly once extreme weather conditions intensify.
