El Nino expected to last until July
The hot weather, which should have subsided by this time of the year, may continue for another month or two.
PETALING JAYA: The hot weather affecting the country because of the El Nino weather pattern may continue until July.
The El Nino weather pattern refers to reduced precipitation in Asia as a result of the warming of waters in the Pacific Ocean. The El Nino effect is known to have an adverse impact on the production of certain crops.
Natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said this year has been the hottest in Malaysia since 1998, with states such as Kelantan, Perlis and Kedah experiencing hotter weather compared to the other states.
He said that judging from the country’s previous annual weather trends, the hot weather should have subsided by this time of the year.
“This situation might continue for another month or two. The meteorological department (MetMalaysia) will continue monitoring the weather pattern,” he said at a press conference in Kota Bharu, Berita Harian reported.
“We are also prepared for haze as we have observed several fires in peatlands.”
Nik Nazmi said his ministry is collaborating with the energy transition and water transformation ministry to monitor water levels and will conduct cloud seeding operations if necessary.
He said MetMalaysia and the National Disaster Management Agency will decide on requests from the Kelantan government and water companies to conduct cloud seeding operations.
“Cloud seeding must meet certain conditions. Moreover, the cost is also high,” he said.