Warmer weather likely to last till mid-April, says Met Dept

 

PETALING JAYA: Following months of torrential downpour, the Malaysian weather is expected to take a turn as the Meteorological Department Malaysia (MetMalaysia) is predicting warmer weather and less rainfall for the coming weeks.

Met Malaysia director-general Datuk Jailan Simon said the country is currently at the last phase of the north-east monsoon season that will take place until mid March.

During this period, Jailani said rainfall is expected to be low in Peninsular Malaysia, particularly in the northern region.

"Nevertheless, MetMalaysia is not predicting extreme hot weather this year. But, low rainfall in a long period of time may cause warm weather, particularly during night due to cloud cover."

Jailani said the warm weather experienced now is a normal phenomenon that takes place between February to April every year.

He also noted that the highest temperature of 36.2°C in February this year was lower compared to last year's 37.4°C reading.

"The warmer climate experienced in many parts of the country during this period is expected to gradually cool down beginning mid April," he added.

Meanwhile, Jailani urged Malaysians to take steps in conserving water due to the warmer climate.

He also urged the public to avoid open burning, outdoor activities and drink adequate water.

"Met Malaysia is always monitoring the weather across the country. The public is advised to be alert towards weather changes and obtain the latest information and weather warnings through our official website, the myCuaca app, and Met Malaysia's social media sites," he said.

Teacher Sarah Tan, 27, who conducts most of her teaching work from home, said the warm weather had compelled her to purchase an air-conditioner last week.

"It's really hot now, especially during the day. It's so hot that my dog just wants to sleep all afternoon. So having an air-conditioner will help me in this scorching weather."

Meanwhile, similar views were also expressed by 28-year-old Azizan Yusof, a public relations executive who works from home.

She had also complained about the unusually hot weather recently.

"It helps cool the living room, which is unusually warm lately - the lack of windows also caused the rooms to get warm easily. The air-conditioner works to cool and circulate the air."

She also said that the air-conditioner was a necessity, as the warm weather would cause rashes on her mother's sensitive skin.

"So, i decided to install the air-conditioner at the living room where she spends most of her time in the day," she added.

Beginning this year, a RM200 e-rebate will be given to households who purchase locally-made refrigerators and air conditioners that have four or five star energy rating in 2021.

Malaysians can apply for the Sustainability Achieved via Energy Efficiency (Save 2.0) programme via the Shopee app, and get an approval within 14 days.

Once approved, users would get RM200 credited to their app wallet. - Star