Malaysia’s meteorological agency (MetMalaysia) confirmed that hot temperatures are to be expected from now into May. This comes after 10 areas of the country were officially declared to be on heatwave alert this week.
On Monday, the areas with the highest recorded temperatures included Chuping, in the northern state of Perlis, along with Kubang Pasu, Kota Setar and Sik — in the bordering state of Kedah. All areas report hitting a high of 36 degrees Celsius.
In addition to these zones in the north of the country, other areas across the Peninsula have been placed on a heatwave alert. This includes the Kepong neighborhood of Kuala Lumpur, Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar and Kinta in Perak state, Maran in Pahang, and Tangkak in the southern state of Johor. According to the MetMalaysia website, all are on Category 1 heatwave alert.
Category 1 is defined as when temperatures rise between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius for three days in a row. Between now, and February 13, the number of towns on Category 1 has doubles from five to ten.
Hotter times are expected throughout the states on Malaysia’s western coast, as well as Sabah, from now until the end of next month. Meteorologists point out that such weather is normal at the tail end of the north-east monsoon season, lasting from November to April.
Following this, an inter-monsoon time comes into effect, with an increase of thunderstorms for the west coast, and interior of Malaysia, as well as affecting Borneo – with heavier rains on Sabah’s east coast and in central Sarawak.
Not to worry, citizens: Water at Sungai Selangor, the reserve that supplies 70% of Kuala Lumpur’s water, is still in good shape – currently clocking in at 98% full.
You know what to do: Stay hydrated, don’t waste water (duh), and if you or your children have outdoor activities, check the temperatures, and if it’s too hot – consider postponing them.
In the meantime, let’s all enjoy basking in our little ovens slash running from one air conditioned edifice to another.
