Heatwave to last until June, says MetMalaysia

2026-03-24 - 04:20

Temperatures could reach between 37 and 38 degrees Celsius, particularly in the northern states of the peninsula. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: The heatwave currently affecting the country is expected to last until June, with temperatures predicted to peak between mid-March and mid-April. Meteorological department (MetMalaysia) director-general Hisham Anip said temperatures could reach between 37 and 38 degrees Celsius, particularly in the northern states of the peninsula. He said the heatwave was a common phenomenon at the end of the northeast monsoon due to reduced cloud cover and the sun’s position directly over the region, reported The New Straits Times. “However, MetMalaysia expects an increase in rainfall starting this weekend as wind patterns weaken. “This signals the start of the monsoon transition phase, which is expected to begin next week, though temperatures will remain high,” he said. He said the northern region experiences higher temperatures than other states due to its proximity to the relatively warmer Indochina region. MetMalaysia today issued a Level 1 alert for 17 areas in Peninsular Malaysia and a Level 2 (heatwave) warning for three areas. A Level 1 alert is issued when daily maximum temperatures of between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius persist for at least three consecutive days. A Level 2 (heatwave) warning is issued following temperatures of between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius lasting three days in a row. Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad yesterday said Malaysia had recorded 15 heat-related cases this year, including the death of a child left in a vehicle. He advised the public to stay hydrated and watch for early warning signs of heat stroke such as persistent dizziness, excessive thirst and rising body temperature.