Malaysia experiences record low temperatures of 18°C due to cold surges from China, with similar conditions expected to return later this month.
KUALA LUMPUR: Cold monsoon surges from mainland China have brought temperatures down to a record 18 degrees Celsius in several parts of the country.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) said data showed minimum temperatures in most areas were three to five degrees Celsius below normal between Jan 10 and 13.
Its director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said the low temperatures mostly occurred in the early hours.
“Temperatures have returned to normal this morning,” he said when contacted by Bernama.
He noted that the slightly cool conditions are normal due to winds coming from colder regions.
Mohd Hisham added that similar conditions could recur from Jan 19 to 21, depending on wind surge patterns.
He said the public need not be overly concerned about the situation.
Earlier checks found residents in Dungun, Terengganu, had been experiencing unusually cold early mornings since last Sunday.
Locals in rural areas were seen donning thick jackets as the mercury dropped to between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius.
Similar low temperatures were also recorded in interior areas such as Dabong and Gua Musang in Kelantan.
