Super El Niño to torch Malaysia next March, MetMalaysia warns heat soaring past 40°C

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 — The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) predicts temperatures in various regions of Malaysia to surpass 40 degrees Celsius next year, due to a Super El Niño event expected to reach its peak intensity. MetMalaysia's director-general, Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip, explained that the effects would likely start during the tail end of the Northeast Monsoon, especially in the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia.

The peak of extreme heat was forecast to occur around the time of the March to April equinox, further exacerbating the intense temperatures. Dr Hisham cited a previous record of 40.1 degrees Celsius in Chuping, Perlis, during the 1997/1998 Super El Niño. He added that the intensity of this upcoming event could surpass the previous record, reaching 40.5 or even 41 degrees Celsius, given the phenomenon's anticipated strength compounded by global warming.

Muslims were expected to fast and celebrate Hari Raya in the midst of these extreme conditions, prompting Dr Hisham to advise against outdoor activities and travel to minimize health risks. The current weather pattern is still in the ordinary El Niño stage and is expected to progress through weak, moderate, and strong phases before becoming a Super El Niño by year-end.

Dr Hisham noted that Malaysia has experienced three Super El Niño events in the past - in 1982/1983, 1997/1998, and 2015/2016, each characterized by extreme heat and dry weather. These events often resulted in prolonged dry spells, potentially up to 70 days in northern areas like Langkawi and Alor Setar, and could bring a similarly lengthy dry spell this time around.

The prolonged dry conditions could exacerbate the risk of high-intensity haze from open burning. Dr Hisham also warned of the potential for a more severe water supply crisis next year, as prolonged dry weather could further deplete dam levels in states already grappling with water supply issues. He cautioned that when the peak of the Super El Niño arrives early next year, the situation could become more severe, with dams in Melaka drying up completely, as observed during previous strong Super El Niño episodes.

Dr Hisham urged the public to rely on official weather information from reliable sources such as MetMalaysia's websites or the myCuaca app, and cautioned against the spread of unverified information on social media.