MetMalaysia: Super El Nino forecast for March-May 2027, temperatures could break Malaysia’s 40.1°C record

Johor Bahru, Malaysia - Malaysia must prepare for an intense heatwave from March to May 2027, according to predictions from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia). The Super El Niño phenomenon is expected to push temperatures above 41 degrees Celsius, potentially breaking the country's previous record of 40.1°C set in 1998.

Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip, director-general of MetMalaysia, stated that the country's temperature could rise by up to 0.7 degrees Celsius above normal during strong El Niño events, and temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius are anticipated to occur more frequently and for longer periods. The current El Niño is predicted to have an index exceeding 2.5, surpassing the previous peaks of 2.3 recorded during the 1997/1998 and 2015/2016 episodes.

In addition to the heat, there is a possibility of a 77-day period without rain in the northern states of the Peninsula, starting in December and continuing until March. The upcoming Northeast Monsoon, which is expected to begin in late October, will be crucial in ensuring dams receive adequate rainfall and water storage levels are increased before the onset of drier weather.