Scorching heat may continue nationwide until June – MetMalaysia
These conditions typically begin towards the end of the Northeast Monsoon season around February and may extend into the early phase of the Southwest Monsoon in June.
SHAH ALAM - Malaysians continue to face scorching temperatures above 35°C as hot weather persists nationwide, despite brief rainfall and thunderstorms forecast in some areas.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) said observational records from stations across the country show that temperatures above 35°C are a recurring annual phenomenon.
Its director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip, explained that these conditions typically begin towards the end of the Northeast Monsoon season around February and may extend into the early phase of the Southwest Monsoon in June.
“The hottest period generally occurs between mid-March and April, when temperatures can surpass 37°C, creating conditions favourable for heatwaves.
“Although the inter-monsoon transition that began on March 29 has brought rainfall to some areas, these showers are brief and provide only temporary relief from the prevailing heat.
“While thunderstorms are forecast for certain regions, hot weather is expected to continue for at least another one to two weeks. This is largely due to the sun being directly overhead during this period, which intensifies daytime temperatures despite occasional rain,” he told Sinar Daily.
He said several factors have contributed to the current high temperatures, including reduced cloud cover, which allows more direct solar radiation, and the sun’s overhead position due to the Earth’s orbit.
Historically, the El Nino phenomenon has also played a role, although the next El Nino is not expected until later in the year, he said.
MetMalaysia classifies heatwave conditions into three levels based on the daily maximum temperature sustained over at least three consecutive days.
- Level 1 or Alert, applies to temperatures between 35.0°C and 37.0°C.
- Level 2, Heatwave, occurs when temperatures exceed 37.0°C up to 40.0°C.
- Level 3, Extreme Heatwave, is recorded when temperatures surpass 40.0°C for three or more consecutive days.
“The public, particularly high-risk groups such as children, the elderly and outdoor workers, are advised to exercise caution during Level 1 and Level 2 alerts.
“Recommended measures include staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activities during peak heat hours, wearing protective clothing or hats and using umbrellas when sun exposure is unavoidable.
“Conserve water and avoid activities such as open burning, which can exacerbate haze and environmental pollution,” he added.
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