As temperatures soar, BMKG asks PON athletes to exercise caution

Regional Center V of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), Jayapura City, has warned participants at XX Papua National Sports Week (PON) to remain alert for the scorching heat amid the event.

Earlier, a number of athletes competing at XX Papua PON -- especially in outdoor sports -- had complained about the blazing heat in the region.

“The hot weather is an annual cycle. It is just ordinary,” head of the sub-division of services at BMKG Center Regional V, Ezri Ronsumbre, told ANTARA here on Wednesday.

Furthermore, she informed that the province is still in the midst of the dry season. The rainy season is expected to start in December, she added.

“In September, the sun is right at the equator. Currently, it is moving to the southern part of Papua as the southern hemisphere will receive more sunlight," she explained.

Hence, the XX Papua PON organizing clusters -- especially Jayapura City and District -- are experiencing searing heat, she added.

Related news: Papua PON organising committee ensures readiness for opening ceremony

The temperature in Jayapura city and district is currently within the range of 32–33 degrees Celsius, Ronsumbre said.

She advised participating athletes -- especially those competing in outdoor venues -- to avoid getting dehydrated and maintain their health so they can continue to perform optimally.

“Drink a lot of water to keep from getting dehydrated and use sunscreen as it is really hot. The heat is stinging. Thus, the athletes need to protect themselves by consuming plentiful water and taking care of their skin to prevent being (sun) burned," she advised.

While the national sporting event will be officially inaugurated on October 2 and run until October 15, 2021, matches in several sports have begun since last week.

Related news: Jakarta's Nandira Mauriskha wins second gold in Wushu