El Nino In Malaysia Expected To Last Until July
Forecasts indicate that this will be the hottest year in Malaysia in 26 years.
By May Vin Ang — 03 May 2024, 01:08 PM
The current hot weather affecting the country, otherwise known as the El Nino phenomenon, is expected to persist until July
According to Berita Harian, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said that, based on the country's previous annual weather trends, the hot weather in Malaysia should have eased by this time of year.
"However, the situation may continue for another month of two. The Malaysia Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) will be monitoring it," he said.
He also said forecasts suggest that this will be the hottest year in Malaysia since 1998.
Nik Nazmi said Kelantan, Perlis, and Kedah have been experiencing higher temperatures compared to Selangor and Kuala Lumpur
The minister noted that the hot weather has triggered several peatland fires in the northern states, and so the ministry will continue to monitor the risk of haze in the coming weeks.
"At the same time, my ministry will also be collaborating with the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry to monitor water levels [around dams in the country] and conduct cloud seeding operations if necessary," he said.
He added that his ministry has received requests from the Kelantan state government to carry out cloud seeding to encourage rainfall
However, Nik Nazmi said the matter has to be decided by METMalaysia and the National Disaster Management Agency.
"Cloud seeding cannot be done arbitrarily, it must meet certain requirements. Moreover, the cost is also high," he said.
He has also advised schoolchildren to drink enough water and wear appropriate attire to school to combat the heat, reported Bernama.
