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The Star
2 days ago
- Climate
- The Star
Be prepared to face hotter days
PETALING JAYA: As global warming ratchets up, Malaysians should prepare to face hotter and muggier days during the dry spell brought about by the annual Southwest Monsoon, say weather experts. Along with this, it is also time to pay attention to not just dry-bulb readings provided by the typical thermometer but also wet-bulb temperatures (WBT), which scientists say are important to those who are vulnerable to heatstrokes or related ailments. WBT is an indication of how much the air can be cooled by the evaporation of water into it and is usually measured using a thermometer with the bulb covered by a wet membrane, with higher WBT signalling an increased risk for the vulnerable. WBT and high humidity are often missed during reporting on heatwaves, even though they play a huge role in how a person experiences heat. Academy of Sciences Malaysia's fellow Dr Fredolin Tangang said while the Southwest Monsoon season is usually marked by hot and dry weather, global warming could be contributing to even hotter conditions. 'According to the latest observation, the first quarter of 2025 was the second warmest year compared to the corresponding period in 2024, which was the warmest year on record. 'This despite La Nina being active during the first quarter of this year,' he said when contacted. The APEC Climate Center in (South) Korea, he said, indicated that the surface air temperature over the Indo-Pacific region is 80% above normal during the current monsoon period this year. 'Also, the sea surface temperature (SST) was forecasted to be above normal. 'High SST could drive higher relative humidity, and this increases the WBT and also the heat index, creating favourable conditions for heatstrokes,' he said. Fredolin suggested that the relevant authorities should provide an early warning system to the public to be alert for excessive heat and humidity. 'More public announcements of the danger of heatstroke and how to avoid getting one should be regularly broadcast, while the public should not take lightly the extreme conditions that heighten the risk for heatstrokes,' he said. A 2023 paper published by researchers from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia raised concerns about the future emergence of urban areas as hotspots for heat stress, particularly in peninsular Malaysia. Their study showed a notable increase in the mean temperature over the peninsula, surpassing the global average, which could lead to a substantial increase in WBT, especially in dense urban regions. According to National Antarctica Research Centre climatologist Prof Datuk Dr Azizan Abu Samah, there is a high chance the Asean region will see above-normal temperatures between June and August, based on several predictive models. 'The inter-monsoon period typically transitions into the Southwest Monsoon over the Asean region in June and will continue throughout the outlook period,' he said, while advising the people to minimise their exposure to the blistering sun as much as possible. Meteorological Department's (MetMalaysia) director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said the main cause for current hot and humid weather is the Southwest Monsoon that began on May 10, with the phenomenon expected to continue until September. 'This monsoon typically brings dry weather to most parts of the country. 'However, thunderstorms and heavy rain may still occur from time to time,' he said. Mohd Hisham added that the extended absence of rain over several days could result in searing conditions similar to what happened earlier this month. On June 2, MetMalaysia issued a Level 1 heat advisory in six areas in the peninsula which experienced maximum daily temperatures of between 35°C and 37°C for three consecutive days.
The Star
25-04-2025
- Climate
- The Star
Climate change and freak weather
Dark skies: Malaysia is currently undergoing the inter-monsoon period until May. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star PETALING JAYA: Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are normal during the inter-monsoon season but this time, the weather has been far more vicious. Weather experts say climate change and a warming planet could be the reasons for these violent thunderstorms. While the pattern is normal, the thunderstorms may be more extreme due to the influence of global warming and climate change, said climatologist Prof Dr Fredolin Tangang. 'Last year, the global mean temperature exceeded the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C threshold,' he noted. 'With this kind of warming, we have more moisture in the air and, together with increasing heat, thunderstorms and heavy rainfalls can become stronger and more frequent.' He pointed out that with the country undergoing the inter- monsoon period between now and May, thunderstorms and heavy rainfall episodes are typical, especially in the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, during this period. 'This can cause more flash floods,' he added. CLICK TO ENLARGE Tangang, who is also an Academy of Sciences Malaysia Fellow, also noted that the Pacific region is at the Enso-neutral phase, meaning there are no anomalous conditions such as El Nino or La Nina. 'We don't expect any significant influence from the Pacific Ocean during the Enso-neutral phase,' he said. According to National Antarctica Research Centre climatologist Prof Datuk Dr Azizan Abu Samah, heavy rainfall usually occurs along the west coast during pre-dawn. He said the recent violent storms could be due to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds, which are driven to the coastal areas by the westerly wind in the early morning. Azizan added, however, that it is difficult to say if the current weather in the country is out of the ordinary despite the Pacific ocean being at the Enso-neutral phase. On the increasing flash floods in the Klang Valley, he said this is also due to rapid urbanisation, which results in increased surface run-off. Meanwhile, MetMalaysia has issued a statement that the inter-monsoon phase started on March 25, marking the end of the northeast monsoon period. The inter-monsoon period, it explained, usually brings sudden burst of winds and heavy showers during the late evening and night.
