PETALING JAYA: As northern states battle hot and dry days, cloud seeding will continue in Kedah and Penang to ease parched farmland and raise dam water levels, says the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).
Director-general Jailan Simon said the cloud seeding operation (OPA) in these states would continue today.
However, the conditions in Perlis have been unfavourable for cloud seeding.
He said Sunday’s cloud seeding at six areas in Kedah and Penang resulted in rain at almost all target locations, while yesterday’s operation at 1.26pm targetted water catchments in Muda, Pedu and Ahning in Kedah along with Teluk Bahang in Penang.
“But Perlis is very dry at the moment. We tried to carry out the cloud seeding there on Sunday, but couldn’t find a suitable cloud, ” said Jailan when contacted yesterday.
MetMalaysia has been carrying out cloud seeding over water catchment areas in the northern states, which are experiencing low rainfall due to the Northeast Monsoon season.Should the conditions be suitable for cloud seeding today, operations will continue in the northern states, Jailan said.
“We plan to do it until Tuesday, but it depends on whether the conditions and weather on the day are suitable. If they are not, then we will have to reconsider.
“Tuesday is forecast to be slightly drier (than Monday) so we will see, ” he said.
Jailan added that the department had been prepared to carry out cloud seeding in the northern states since early January, but conditions had been unfavourable until Jan 19.
“Cloud seeding requires the right conditions to produce rain, including having the right atmospheric conditions with clouds that are capable of rain and wind that is not too strong, ” he said.
“It is difficult to say how many cloud seeding operations are needed to help the northern states during the Northeast Monsoon, but they will be carried out as needed.”
He hoped that agricultural activities could continue and water supplies would increase.
Malaysia is currently in the second phase of the Northeast Monsoon, which is expected to end in late March.
During this period, Perlis, Kedah, Penang and the northern part of Perak will be hit with low levels of rainfall.
“This situation affects the water levels at the dams, which supply water for domestic and agricultural use, ” said Jailan.
He urged Malaysians to save water, be careful when doing outdoor activities, drink enough water and avoid open burning.
The public should also be aware of weather changes and be updated on the latest weather information via the department’s website, myCuaca phone app or the MetMalaysia social media accounts.
According to MetMalaysia’s website, Perlis, Kedah and Penang recorded a maximum temperature of 33-34°C yesterday.
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