PETALING JAYA: Heatwave conditions continue to be recorded across northern Peninsular Malaysia, with more districts placed under Level Two (heatwave) alert, as temperatures have risen to 40°C or higher compared to four days ago.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), in its latest update as of 4pm yesterday, said parts of Kedah, Perlis and Perak are under Level Two alert, indicating that maximum daily temperatures have been recorded at 37°C to 40°C for at least three consecutive days.
Among the six affected areas are Pendang, Pokok Sena, Kota Setar and Baling in Kedah, as well as Hulu Perak in Perak and Perlis.
Level Two is issued when maximum daily temperatures are recorded between 37°C and 40°C for at least three straight days, indicating a more prolonged and intense heat spell.
Districts under Level One (alert) status, including Bandar Baru, Kulim, Kuala Muda, Kubang Pasu, Langkawi and Padang Terap in Kedah; the North-east and Northern districts in Penang; as well as Perak Tengah, Kinta, Kuala Kangsar and Selama in Perak.
Other areas across the peninsula remain in normal conditions, with maximum daily temperatures below 35°C.
MetMalaysia defines a Level Three, or extreme heatwave, as occurring when temperatures exceed 40°C for at least three days in a row – but no place has reached that level yet.
As of yesterday, the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) dashboard reported that water levels in 11 dams were depleting, up from 10 on Thursday.
The Muda dam in Kedah remained the hardest hit, being only at 7.27% of its full capacity.
The SPAN dashboard also recorded the Timah Tasoh dam in Perlis at warning levels, with only 36.92% of its full capacity, followed by the Bukit Merah dam at 37.74%.
In Johor, Upper Layang with 43.01% and Gunung Pulai 2 at 45.51%, as well as Lebam at 55.66% and Labong at 59.13% capacity, followed by Ahning (54.36%), BS Padang Saga (55.30%) and Beris in Kedah at 58.53%.
