Respite from the dry spell

PETALING JAYA: Despite earlier forecasts of a long dry spell, Malaysians can expect showers and thunderstorms by mid-week with rain bearing winds heading towards the country.

The Meteorological Department National Weather Centre director, Muhammad Helmi Abdullah, said the dry spell is expected to last till mid-March. However, he added, the easterly winds from the Pacific Ocean will bring rain.

He said Sabah and Sarawak were already experiencing isolated rain and thunderstorms due to the wind and it will soon progress to the peninsula states by mid-week.

Perak, Selangor, Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor are expected to see more thunderstorms and showers, he said.

“The easterly wind is rather moist and we are starting to see more build-up of clouds compared to mid-January.

“The build-up of clouds indicates there is more moisture, thus, the possibility of thunderstorms and rain,” Muhammad Helmi said yesterday.

However, the northern states will be experiencing the dry spell with temperatures up to 35°C.

This is a normal phenomenon during the tail-end of the monsoon season.

Muhammad Helmi said the nights would be less cool compared to January, when some parts of the country experienced cold spells due to dry winds from China.

Meanwhile, Fomca deputy secretary-general Foon Weng Lian said consumers should be mindful of their use of water and electricity during the hot spell.

He said the hot weather would also affect transmission lines and reduce their efficiency.

“So, to avoid electricity overload or trips, don’t keep your electrical appliances on for too long,” he advised.

Foon said consumers should not be overly dependent on air conditioners and, instead, look for ways to improve natural ventilation at home.

“Open up your windows to let the natural air in for a while before switching on the air-conditioner,” said Foon.