Kuala lumpur: The hot weather phenomenon currently affecting Malaysia is anticipated to extend until the onset of the Southwest Monsoon in June, as a result of drier atmospheric conditions and reduced rainfall, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MetMalaysia's deputy director-general (Operations), Ambun Dindang, explained that Malaysia is presently in the concluding phase of the Northeast Monsoon, typically characterized by decreased rainfall and hotter, drier conditions, particularly in the northern and interior regions of the Peninsula. He noted that projections from both local and international weather models indicate that the country will likely experience a continuation of these dry weather patterns with below-average rainfall over the coming months.

Ambun detailed that during the monsoon transition phase, expected to begin from the end of March through May, regions such as the west coast and interior areas of Peninsular Malaysia, along with western Sabah and Sarawak, are projected to receive rainfall, particularly during the afternoon and early evening hours. This precipitation is anticipated to slightly alleviate the high temperatures currently experienced across Malaysia. He mentioned an expected increase in rainfall towards the end of the week in most areas of the west and interior of the Peninsula, as well as western Sabah and Sarawak.

Limbang in Sarawak and Sandakan and Tawau in Sabah have recorded higher than normal rainfall levels, while other locations, including Ipoh (Perak), Subang (Selangor), Kudat (Sabah), and Mulu (Sarawak), have seen normal levels. However, most other stations reported below-normal rainfall, with areas like Kedah (Alor Setar, Kubang Pasu, and Langkawi) and Papar (Sabah) experiencing up to 17 rainless days, and Perlis with 15 days without rain as of March 23.

Ambun highlighted that the northern regions of the Peninsula, such as Kedah, including Pendang, Baling, and Padang Terap, are more susceptible to hot weather due to geographical factors and the MTL wind pattern, which brings more humidity to the East Coast and southern Peninsula, as well as Sabah and Sarawak. He further explained that in January, more active wind flows and weather systems concentrated in the area caused these regions to endure drier and hotter weather conditions.

Typically, Malaysia experiences hot weather conditions during the final phase of the MTL in February to April, with warmer weather patterns prevalent in the northern areas of Peninsular Malaysia. This, however, is subject to climate variability, including phenomena like ENSO. Based on global climate models, Malaysia is not exempt from the increasing frequency of extremely hot days, particularly when influenced by the El Nino phenomenon.

Historically, Malaysia recorded its highest temperature of 40.1 degrees Celsius in Chuping, Perlis in 1998, followed by 39.3 degrees Celsius in Batu Embun, Pahang in 2016, and 39.1 degrees Celsius in Alor Setar in 1998, all during strong El Nino events. Ambun cautioned about the potential for a level 3 heat wave in the event of a robust El Nino, although the phenomenon's development is under continuous monitoring.

MetMalaysia defines a heat wave as a daily maximum temperature exceeding 37 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days, with a level 1 warning issued at 35-37 degrees Celsius, level 2 at 37-40 degrees Celsius, and level 3 when temperatures surpass 40 degrees Celsius over the same period. Ambun advised the public to stay hydrated, minimize outdoor activities during peak heat, wear suitable clothing, refrain from open burning, and conserve water to avoid wastage. He also warned that hot and dry conditions could reduce dam levels, heighten drought risk, disrupt water supplies, and pose health risks such as heat stroke and dehydration.