KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia is expected to experience hot weather until the end of the month due to global factors, including the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) moving from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.
The MJO involves large areas of increased and decreased rain moving eastward, mainly over the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
These factors, along with rising temperatures, are also likely to cause increased rainfall in some areas, said climatologist Prof Fredolin Tangang.
“The weather changes are associated with the Madden-Julian Oscillation, which extends from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, which has also influenced weather conditions in Malaysia. This phenomenon oscillates over a period of 20 to 60 days,” he told Utusan Malaysia.
According to a release by the United States Climate Prediction Centre on April 7, less cloud coverage is expected to prevail over Malaysia and Indonesia for the next one to two weeks. During this period, there is an increased probability of reduced rainfall and higher temperatures,” he said.
The Malaysia Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) announced that Malaysia is entering a monsoon transition phase throughout the west coast of the peninsula, particularly affecting the Klang Valley, with these conditions expected to continue until the end of May.
Fredolin said that the highest rainfall on the west coast of the peninsula typically occurs in April and May.
In contrast, the east coast, along with Sabah and Sarawak, experienced lower rainfall rates during the same period.
“Despite the seasonal influence, Malaysia is also affected by El Nino throughout April and is expected to continue until May. Into the second quarter of 2024, conditions in the Pacific Ocean are predicted to transition to La Nina.
“Throughout April, the expected increase in rainfall on the West Coast of the Peninsular is due to the monsoon transition, which may not reach normal levels because of El Nino’s influence,” he said.
He added that in the east coast area, particularly in the northern part of the Peninsular and in Sabah, hot weather is forecast to persist throughout April, also due to the impact of El Nino.
He also emphasised the importance of the public following the local daily weather forecasts issued by MetMalaysia to avoid heatstroke, water-related incidents, and potential flooding. – April 16, 2024