PETALING JAYA: Malaysians can expect hotter and drier weather than usual from next month as the Northeast Monsoon winds down to an end.
However, the situation this time is not expected to be as severe as last year's due to the influence of La Nina.
According to the Meteorological Department, the monsoon is expected to end by mid-March.
"During this period, cloud cover and rainfall distribution will decrease in most areas, especially in the northern regions of the Peninsula, including Perak, Pahang, and Kelantan.
"The prolonged absence of rain may result in hotter and drier weather than usual," said department director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip.
The hot and dry weather currently being experienced, he added, is a recurring phenomenon that occurs annually from February to May.
"During this period, the highest recorded daily temperatures can exceed 35°C in the early afternoon.
"The highest temperature recorded at MetMalaysia’s meteorological stations across the country on Tuesday (Feb 11) was 36.1°C, which was observed at Felda Teloi Kanan, Baling, Kedah," he said.
According to the MetMalaysia website, two localities - Baling in Kedah, and Kuala Kangsar in Perak - are currently facing Level 1 heatwave status on Feb 11.
Level 1 heatwave status indicates daily maximum temperatures of up to between 35 degrees Celcius and 37 degrees Celcius for three consecutive days.
He warned that during this time, heat waves and localised haze may also occur.
"However, this situation is forecasted to be less severe compared to 2024 due to the weak La Niña effect currently taking place, which is expected to persist until mid-year," he said.
Dr Mohd Hisham advised members of the public to conserve water and avoid open burning, as well as to limit their outdoor activities to prevent excessive exposure to heat.
