KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued hot weather warnings for 14 areas across the country, with temperatures expected to soar above 37°C for the next three days.
Projections indicate that the temperatures will escalate beyond 37°C, prompting concerns for residents in Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, Sarawak, and Sabah.
Based on the weather forecast on its website, this heatwave will likely persist for at least three consecutive days, affecting various locales such as Langkawi, Pendang, Kuala Muda, Kubang Pasu, Pokok Sena, Sik, Baling, and Bandar Baharu in Kedah, Gua Musang in Kelantan and the entire state of Perlis.
Similar extreme weather is also expected in Mukah and Telang Usan in Sarawak, as well as Tuaran and Tenom in Sabah.
MetMalaysia categorises heatwaves as temperatures ranging from 37°C to 40°C, sustained over three consecutive days, with anything exceeding this threshold classified as an extreme heatwave.
The ongoing situation underscores the need for vigilant monitoring and precautionary measures, particularly in regions susceptible to such climatic fluctuations.
The repercussions of the prolonged hot and dry conditions have already started in some parts with various reports of peat fires in several parts of the country including in Selangor, Sarawak and Pahang.
Tragically, the effects of the heatwave have also claimed one life due to heat stroke, underscoring the urgency for public awareness and preparedness strategies in response to the escalating weather conditions.