PETALING JAYA: High temperature warnings are back this year with the mercury rising up to 37 degrees Celsius at four locations in Kedah.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued Yellow advisory for Sik, Pendang, Pokok Sena on Monday March 3.
The following day (Tuesdy March 4) saw Yellow advisory issued again for the three locations as well as Baling.
These advisories are the first issued for this year. Last year saw 1,609 advisories while 2023 recorded 397 advisories.
A Yellow (Level 1) advisory is issued when the temperature in a particular location hits between 35 to 37 degrees Celsius.
A Yellow advisory means that a location is on alert for a possible heatwave.
An Orange (Level 2) advisory meanwhile means that a location has officially entered into a heatwave with temperatures going above 37 but remaining below 40 degrees Celsius.
A Red (Level 3) alert denotes an extreme heatwave with a temperature of more than 40 degrees Celsius.
On Feb 20, The Star reported Kedah padi farmers expressing concern that the current hot weather could disrupt their upcoming planting season.
According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, while hot weather is expected until mid-March, the situation is not as severe as last year.
Temperatures may exceed 35°C in the early afternoon during this period.
Kedah health committee chairman Mejar (Rtd) Mansor Zakaria said the public is advised to avoid being outdoors during peak heat hours, or from 11am to 4pm.
He urged individuals to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as headaches, fatigue, dizziness, muscle weakness, cramps, nausea or confusion.
