‘London weather’ news is fake

KUALA LUMPUR: The Meteorological Department (MET) has refuted claims that cold weather, akin to what is being experienced in London, will hit Malaysia in February.

MET said that a such claims, which have been making its rounds on social media and WhatsApp, were re-posted fake news from 2016.

It also said that the cool weather conditions experienced in many areas in the peninsula was due to the continuous humid and cloudy weather and cold winds.

Apart from that, the cloudy conditions and lack of direct sunlight for several days also contributed to the cooler than normal weather in the country, it said.

On Jan 3, the lowest minimum daily temperature of 21°C was recorded in Terengganu, Pahang and Johor.

The department said the situation is normal on cloudy and rainy days.

The public is advised to get authentic information on weather forecasts and warnings through the official MET website and social media site or through its hotline 1-300-22-1638 and the myCuaca app, Bernama reported.

Meanwhile, weather conditions in east coast states have improved.

MET said the states are Kelantan, Terengganu (the districts of Besut, Setiu, Kuala Nerus, Hulu Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu and Marang) and Pahang (the districts of Cameron Highlands, Lipis and Jerantut).

A weather warning was also issued for Sabah, involving Telupid, Kinabatangan, Beluran, Sandakan and Kudat districts.

“During that period, strong winds can occur in coastal areas in the east coast states of the peninsula and in Sabah, while most areas in the west coast will experience cloudy and rainy weather due to an overflow of rain from the east coast,” it said.

It also forecasts thunderstorms and heavy rain with strong winds, especially in the evening until late at night in Sabah and Sarawak.

The situation has the potential to cause flash floods in low-lying areas, it said.

It said Northeast winds of up to 60kph, with waves as high as 4.5m, is expected to occur in the waters off Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and East Johor during the period.

In the waters offSabah, Sarawak and the Federal Territory of Labuan, strong Northeast winds of up to 50kph, with waves up to 3.5m, is expected during the period, as well as overflowing of seawater to coastal areas and river estuaries.