El Nino could bring heat, haze and water shortages into 2027, MetMalaysia warns

KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 — Malaysia is expected to experience hotter and drier conditions in the coming months as the El Niño phenomenon is forecast to begin influencing the country’s weather patterns, potentially lasting until early next year, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) said today.

In a statement, MetMalaysia said the phenomenon could persist until early 2027 and is likely to coincide with the ongoing Southwest Monsoon season, which began on May 14 and is forecast to continue until September.

The department warned that the conditions could reduce rainfall in several areas, increasing the risk of water shortages, forest and peatland fires, as well as haze episodes.

“As a preparedness measure, MetMalaysia has strengthened the dissemination of weather information and early warnings to the government, relevant agencies and the public,” the statement said.

It added that, as of this month, the agency had conducted more than 70 briefings, meetings and engagement sessions on hot and dry weather conditions at the national, state and district levels.

Among those briefed were the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) and the Department of Agriculture Malaysia. 

MetMalaysia has also presented its forecasts and assessments during meetings of state and district disaster management committees across the country.

The department said it was providing forest and peatland fire risk forecasts of up to seven days in advance and issuing haze forecasts to help authorities prepare for potential impacts arising from prolonged dry conditions. 

It also said it stood ready to assist in cloud seeding operations should they be required and weather conditions permit.

Members of the public were advised to monitor the latest weather updates through the myCuaca application and MET Malaysia’s official website, use water prudently and refrain from open burning activities.

MetMalaysia said it remained committed to delivering accurate and timely weather information to enable the country to prepare for any risks posed by extreme weather events.