{
  "id": 10813563,
  "title": "El Nino to bring drier weather, higher temperatures and greater haze risk in Malaysia",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/el-nino-to-bring-drier-weather-higher-temperatures-and-greater-haze",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-30T00:10:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Vibes",
    "slug": "the-vibes",
    "url": "https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/127819/el-nino-to-bring-drier-weather-higher-temperatures-and-greater-haze-risk-in-malaysia"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia may endure extended periods of heat and drought, reduced precipitation, and heightened haze risk due to a strengthening El Nino, according to Malaysia's Meteorological Department (METMalaysia). Dr. Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip, METMalaysia's director-general, announced that rainfall could decrease in several regions, particularly Sabah and parts of the peninsula, while daytime temperatures are expected to climb, especially in March and April. He cautioned that the prolonged dry conditions could heighten the likelihood of water shortages, forest and peatland fires, open burning incidents, and haze. The El Nino phenomenon typically results in drier-than-normal weather in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, due to alterations in atmospheric patterns and rainfall distribution. In Malaysia, moderate or strong El Nino conditions could lead to below-average rainfall in Sabah and Sarawak, with the peninsula potentially experiencing drier conditions at times. The combination of reduced rainfall and elevated temperatures could prolong hot and dry spells, increasing the risk of forest and peatland fires that could exacerbate haze. METMalaysia has intensified weather monitoring and information dissemination, including seven-day forecasts of forest and peatland fire risks and haze forecasts, to aid relevant agencies in preparing for the anticipated conditions. The public has been advised to conserve water and refrain from open burning during periods of hot and dry weather.",
  "summary": "MALAYSIA could face prolonged hot and dry conditions, reduced rainfall and a higher risk of haze as El Nino strengthens and is expected to affect the country through March next year, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) said. METMala...",
  "key_points": [
    "Malaysia faces prolonged heat, drought, and reduced rainfall due to El Nino.",
    "Daytime temperatures expected to rise, especially in March and April.",
    "Increased risk of water shortages, forest fires, and haze during dry conditions."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Vibes",
        "title": "Haze shifts to Peninsular Malaysia as 33 areas record unhealthy API readings",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/haze-shifts-to-peninsular-malaysia-as-33-areas-record-unhealthy-api",
        "published": "2026-09-30T01:05:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}