Malaysia: La Nina effects in September likely to be weak

The Star 31 Jul 16;

PETALING JAYA: There will likely be no major change in the weather pattern when the La Nina phenomenon occurs in September.

Science, Technology and Innova­tion Minister Datuk Seri Madius Tangau said the effects of La Nina, commonly known to bring wet and rainy weather, would be weak based on the latest climate forecast.

“The current weather condition is not associated with the phenomenon but is influenced by other factors, especially wind patterns,” he said.

Tangau was responding to claims that La Nina had arrived sooner with some reports saying that recent heavy rains were linked to it.

Malaysians should brace for drier weather and even haze instead.

“We are now experiencing the southwest monsoon that started in May and will last until mid-September.

“At this time, the atmospheric conditions throughout the country will be drier with less rain. As a result, haze associated with burning activities is expected to occur,” Tangau said.

He said the average daily temperature for August will be between 22°C and 34°C.

Despite this, Tangau said some coastal areas in Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Malacca, west Johor, west Sabah and Sarawak will experience isolated heavy rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon during the current monsoon.

The public can get the latest weather information by calling the Malaysian Meteorological Depart­ment’s hotline at 1-300-22-1MET (638).

They can also visit its website at www.met.gov.my or its official accounts on Facebook and Twitter, or download its mobile app myCuaca.