Impact of El Nino more significant at its peak

KUALA LUMPUR: The El Nino phenomenon, now causing freakish weather in the country, is expected to grow in strength towards the end of 2023 and until the beginning of 2024.

“The El Nino phenomenon is expected to have a more significant impact when its intensity reaches its peak and the country will experience prolonged hot and dry weather,” the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) said.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

ALSO READ: El Nino hits rice industry

El Nino is a naturally occurring climate pattern associated with the warming of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.

“It occurs on average every two to seven years, and episodes usually last nine to 12 months.”

Met Malaysia, reported Bernama, said that according to a new update from the World Meteorological Organisation, El Nino can cause an increase in temperature and a reduction in rainfall as well as transboundary haze occurrence if the burning of forests and peatlands is not controlled.

ALSO READ: It won’t be too hot to handle, says expert

MetMalaysia, in its statement, advised the public not to do open burning and to stay indoors.

“The public must always be aware of weather changes and get the latest weather warning information through the myCuaca application or MetMalaysia’s social media.

“MetMalaysia will issue a heatwave advisory if the daily maximum temperature reading exceeds 37°C for three consecutive days,” it added.