Malaysia's North Faces Severe Drought Risk Amid Super El Nino

Northern Malaysian states Kedah, Perlis, and Kelantan are at high risk of experiencing severe drought as the Super El Nino phenomenon intensifies, with its peak expected by the end of the year. Professor Dr. Aweng Eh Rak from the Faculty of Earth Sciences at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) highlighted the geographical vulnerability of these states to reduced rainfall.

Aweng forecasts that the average weekly rainfall could drop by more than 20% compared to normal levels. He warned that some weeks might see no rainfall whatsoever. This prediction follows earlier reports that the Super El Nino could bring extreme heat and dry conditions, potentially mirroring the severe droughts experienced in 1997 and 2016.

Beyond the northern states, major urban centers are also identified as highly susceptible to severe heatwave impacts. Aweng explained that urban construction materials absorb heat during the day and release it at night. This effect is exacerbated by the scarcity of green spaces, which would otherwise provide shade, reflect sunlight, and cool temperatures through transpiration.

While these projections raise concerns, Aweng stressed that detailed, specific data on daily rainfall and temperature changes should be obtained directly from the Malaysian Meteorological Department for the most accurate information.