Watch out for La Nina, wetter weather starting July to Sept

THE La Nina phenomenon, which typically brings about wetter weather conditions, is expected to begin between July and September, announced the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).

Its director general Muhammad Helmi Abdullah said the phenomenon usually reaches its peak towards the end of the year and continues into the beginning of next year.

But it is expected to hit the country at weak to moderate strength.

“La Nina can last between five and 18 months. Based on international forecast models, the next La Nina is expected to be weak or moderate,” The Star quoted him as saying.

According to Helmi, each episode of La Nina is unique and may give different results.

The rainy season will end the heat wave that has hit Malaysia since March this year, when Malaysia rolled out emergency measures to deal with a worsening heatwave after temperatures edging close to 40°c claimed a life and threatened crop yields.

Almost half of Peninsular Malaysia was experiencing peaks of at least 35°c for three straight days, according to the data from the MetMalaysia, which expects the hot and dry spell to last until mid-April.

To combat the heat wave, Malaysia employed drones to survey peatlands susceptible to catching fire and monitor dwindling water levels in dams, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said in an interview on March 26.

About La Nina, Helmi claimed it can last between five and 18 months. Based on international forecast models, the coming La Nina is expected to have weak or moderate strength.

Thus, MetMalaysia will continue to monitor the situation closely and update the country’s weather information based on the latest input from various weather models. – Focus Malaysia