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🇸🇬 Singapore /Environment & Climate

Malaysia braces for near-record heat up to 40°C in 2027 amid Super El Nino fears

From The Straits Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Malaysia may experience temperatures as high as 40 degrees Celsius in early 2027 due to a potential Super El Nino event.
  • The Malaysian Meteorological Department forecasts a decrease in rainfall and warns of risks including wildfires and water shortages.
  • Government agencies are preparing mitigation strategies, with the Fire and Rescue Department enhancing its operational readiness and identifying fire-prone hot spots.

Malaysia is bracing for potentially record-breaking heat, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 40 degrees Celsius in early 2027. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) attributes this prediction to an intensifying Super El Nino phenomenon.

This is with northern and central parts of Peninsular Malaysia potentially recording temperatures of between 39 deg C and 40 deg C if conditions persist into early 2027.

— Ambun DindangDuring a media briefing on the projected temperatures due to El Nino.

Deputy director-general of operations Ambun Dindang stated that the El Nino phase is expected to peak between November 2026 and January 2027. This period could see a significant decrease in rainfall across most of the country. Northern and central Peninsular Malaysia might experience temperatures between 39 and 40 degrees Celsius if conditions persist. Dindang drew parallels to the severe 1997-1998 El Nino, which caused widespread haze, water shortages, and airport disruptions in Southeast Asia, noting Malaysia's highest recorded temperature of 40.1 degrees Celsius in April 1998.

In response to these forecasts, government agencies have initiated preparations to mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather. These include potential wildfires, water scarcity, health issues, and disruptions to education. MetMalaysia is intensifying its monitoring through regular El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) updates and issuing alerts for hot weather and dry spells.

Our aim is to reduce risks and injuries, not to eliminate them entirely.

— Meor Ismail Meor AkimDirector-general of the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), emphasizing the goal of risk mitigation.

The Fire and Rescue Department has bolstered its operational readiness, identifying 183 national hot spots prone to fires. The department plans to deploy 200 operational vehicles to enhance monitoring and firefighting capabilities. Additionally, the use of drones for fire detection is being expanded, with new helicopters expected to arrive soon. Coordination with other agencies is underway to secure necessary resources like water supplies and pumps for major fire incidents. The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) stressed the importance of a "whole-of-nation approach" to manage risks effectively and prevent unnecessary panic.

A whole-of-nation approach is crucial, with the media playing a role in avoiding unnecessary panic.

— Meor Ismail Meor AkimHighlighting the importance of coordinated efforts and public communication.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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