PETALING JAYA: Malaysians can expect drier, more settled weather this week following the recent unusual rainfall, according to experts.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) said the weather across Peninsular Malaysia is currently fair, except for Johor which is experiencing intermittent thunderstorms.
“The weather is expected to improve further in the coming days,” said its director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip.
National Antarctica Research Centre climatologist Prof Datuk Dr Azizan Abu Samah said the heavy rain that swept parts of the country was triggered by a combination of tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean, the South China Sea and a tropical depression north of Aceh in Sumatra.
“All these systems had combined to accelerate the surge until last Saturday.
“It is a condition that does not always occur. We are currently experiencing a weak La Nina phase.
“Normally, intense and severe weather occurs only once and is followed by less serious conditions if the period is extended.
“However, this is just a forecast based on past occurrences and it is difficult to ascertain accurately,” he said.
Prof Azizan explained that Malaysia remains primed for convection, which is a situation that may promote rainfall.
(Primed for convection is a meteorological term indicating atmospheric conditions that are highly favourable for the development of thunderstorms and other forms of significant vertical air movement.)
“Even though climatological indicators suggest a drier period, it is still wise for the public to remain cautious,” he said.
Academy of Sciences Malaysia’s fellow Prof Dr Fredolin Tangang said the worst of the recent event has passed, but cautioned that the situation could evolve over the coming weeks.
“Although the first episode of cold surges has ended, Malaysians are advised to stay alert due to the north-east monsoon season.
“I am unable give a precise forecast for the next few days as the meteorological department provides daily forecasts that should guide all of us.
“However, we should take note that the north-east monsoon runs from now until March next year.
“On average, there are five to seven cold surge episodes each season,” he said.
Prof Fredolin said while typhoons and tropical storms that previously affected the country had weakened or dissipated, anomalously warmer seas, La Nina, a negative Indian Ocean Dipole and global warming remain active.
“This provides a favourable background conditions that could trigger future chaotic weather events,” he added.
Last Saturday, MetMalaysia lifted its continuous rain warnings for several states in the peninsula as conditions were expected to improve.
