KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has warned that Malaysia could soon experience transboundary haze due to dry weather caused by the ongoing El Nino climate phenomenon and the predicted South-West Monsoon. The director-general of MetMalaysia, Muhammad Helmi Abdullah, stated that as El Nino intensifies, the country is expected to face drier weather in the upcoming months.
ALSO READ: Haze hits Sarawak, unhealthy air in Sri Aman, Kuching, Serian
“El Nino conditions have been detected in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and are expected to continue until the beginning of 2024 with a probability of over 90%. According to forecasts by the international monitoring agency, its strength is expected to reach its maximum level at the end of this year and the beginning of next year,” explained Muhammad Helmi.
The director-general further highlighted that El Nino can cause prolonged dry weather and potentially lead to forest fires due to reduced rainfall. He shared this information in response to an earlier query from The Star.
ALSO READ: Haze back in Penang, air quality unhealthy in several areas
Muhammad Helmi issued a warning that the combination of dry climate and winds from the South-West Monsoon could result in the return of transboundary haze. He stated, “The wind direction for the monsoon season is expected to consistently flow upwards from Malaysia’s south-west this month. As such, transboundary haze can occur if widespread forest fires ignite and the wind is blowing from that direction.”
Credit: The Star : News Feed
