Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia is experiencing a surge in hot weather as the Northeast Monsoon draws to a close, with experts warning that global climate factors could intensify the heat in the coming weeks.
Senior lecturer at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Dr Lindah Roziani Jamru, said the current conditions are part of Malaysia’s natural monsoon cycle, as the country transitions out of the Northeast Monsoon phase.
However, she stressed that reduced cloud cover and lower rainfall during this period are driving temperatures higher across many regions, making the heat feel more intense than usual.
“While this is a normal seasonal pattern, the level of heat can be amplified by global climate change and ongoing atmospheric phenomena,” she said.
Among the key contributors is El Niño, which typically brings drier and hotter conditions due to reduced rainfall, further elevating temperatures nationwide.
Dr Lindah clarified that a heatwave is only officially classified when temperatures exceed 37°C for at least three consecutive days. Temperatures between 35°C and 37°C fall under a cautionary level, while anything above 40°C is considered an extreme heatwave.
She warned that prolonged hot weather could have serious long-term consequences, including declining water levels in reservoirs, disruptions to agriculture due to water shortages and increased health risks such as dehydration and heat-related illnesses.
Calling for coordinated action, she urged authorities to strengthen early warning systems, improve water resource management, and expand public awareness campaigns.
At the same time, the public is advised to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and use water and electricity responsibly.
Dr Lindah added that strengthening geographical education is key to helping communities better understand the link between human activity and climate change, ultimately encouraging more responsible environmental practices.
