Hot weather, low rainfall expected to persist through weekend

Malaysia is facing a prolonged period of hot weather and scarce rainfall, with conditions expected to persist nationwide until the weekend. This dry spell, attributed to the ongoing Southwest Monsoon which typically lasts until the end of September, is raising concerns about air quality, particularly the potential for persistent haze.

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The situation is occurring because the country is still in the Southwest Monsoon, which is expected to continue until the end of September.

Dr. Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip, Director General of the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), stated that the combination of dry weather and prevailing winds from the south, coupled with numerous hotspots in Borneo and Sumatra, could lead to significant haze. Southern Sarawak and western Peninsular Malaysia are identified as the most vulnerable areas.

The haze is primarily caused by smoke from open burning and forest fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra. As long as these fires continue to generate hotspots, the smoke can travel across borders with prevailing winds, impacting air quality in Malaysia. "As long as the number of hotspots due to open burning remains high in Kalimantan and Sumatra, the haze situation is expected to continue in southern Sarawak and western Peninsular Malaysia due to smoke from cross-border fires," Dr. Mohd Hisham explained.

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This situation, along with the influence of southerly winds and the continued presence of many hotspots in Borneo and Sumatra, has the potential to cause haze, especially in southern Sarawak and western Peninsular Malaysia.

While most areas will experience hot and dry conditions, temporary light rain is still possible in some parts of northern and eastern Peninsular Malaysia, as well as inland areas of Sabah and Sarawak. However, air quality is expected to remain unhealthy until the open fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra are brought under control. MetMalaysia advises the public to limit outdoor activities, wear face masks, and stay hydrated. They also urge people to avoid open burning and practice water conservation during this period, emphasizing the importance of obtaining the latest weather information from official MetMalaysia channels.

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As long as the number of hotspots due to open burning remains high in Kalimantan and Sumatra, the haze situation is expected to continue in southern Sarawak and western Peninsular Malaysia due to smoke from cross-border fires.