MetMalaysia advises the public to stay vigilant as a Super El Nino may hit by year-end, bringing extreme weather and heat.
KUALA LUMPUR: The public has been advised to remain alert to current weather changes and be prepared for the transition phase of extreme weather phenomena, following the expected occurrence of the ‘Super El Nino’ at the end of this year.
Malaysian Meteorological Depatment (MetMalaysia) National Climate Centre director Dr Ahmad Fairudz Jamaluddin said monitoring of global weather forecast models showed a high probabablity of a drastic increase in sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean.
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“Generally, we are now in a weak El Nino phase and it is expected to strengthen in the coming months. Most models also predict that there is the potential for this phenomenon to develop into a Super El Nino.
“If a Super El Nino does occur at the end of this year or early next year, Malaysia is likely to experience weather conditions similar to the strong El Nino episodes recorded in 1997 to 1998 and 2015 to 2016, which had significant impacts on people’s lives and the country’s economic activities,” he said.
He said this as a guest on Bernama Radio’s Jendela Fikir programme titled “Kesiapsiagaan Menghadapi El Nino” (Preparedness To Face El Nino) today.
Reflecting on the 1997-1998 phenomenon, he said it not only recorded the country’s highest temperature of 40.1 degrees Celsius, but also resulted in several areas, such as Sarawak, being declared under emergency due to severe haze.
“A similar impact was observed in 2015 and 2016 when more than 250 schools in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia had to be temporarily closed due to extreme daily temperatures exceeding 37 degrees Celsius,” he said.
Commenting on the current situation, Ahmad Fairudz said the ongoing Southwest Monsoon is also contributing to an early reduction in rainfall in several states.
“Areas such as southern Peninsular Malaysia, northern Sarawak and eastern Sabah are expected to experience a rainfall reduction of up to 40%, while southern Sarawak may see a decline of up to 60% from normal levels.
“To reduce the impact of the water crisis, MetMalaysia, in collaboration with relevant agencies, has carried out periodic cloud seeding operations at major dams with low water levels,” he said, adding that the operations still face major challenges if the atmosphere is too dry or the airspace is shrouded in thick haze.
He said MetMalaysia continuously monitors sea surface temperatures, the El Nino index and various weather forecast models, enabling weather forecasting up to six months in advance to be made more accurately.
“MetMalaysia also uses the Malaysian Fire Danger Rating System (FDRS) to identify areas at high risk of forest and peatland fires, especially during hot and dry conditions.
“We also issue various reports and warnings related to hot weather and drought, as well as agro-meteorological reports periodically to help the public and government agencies prepare in advance,” he said.
According to Ahmad Fairudz, MetMalaysia has held about 70 briefing and engagement sessions with ministries, Federal agencies, state governments and stakeholders to ensure that mitigation and adaptation measures can be implemented before the impacts of El Nino become more severe
He also advised the public to always follow official weather updates, particularly from MetMalaysia, practise water and electricity conservation measures, reduce outdoor activities during extreme heat, and avoid open burning to reduce the risks associated with the phenomenon.
