📋 Tender Overview
Malaysia is preparing to cope with the risk of rising temperatures, reduced rainfall, water shortages and cross-border smog when new forecasts show that El Nino 2026 may reach particularly strong intensity and last into 2027. Download Photo: Bernama According to the August 13 forecast of the US Climate Prediction Center (CPC), in the period from October to December 2026, there will be There is a 69% chance of an El Nino episode with an intensity exceeding those recorded since 1950. CPC also assessed that there is a more than 90% chance of El Nino developing into an extremely strong episode in the fall and winter of 2026-2027 in the Northern Hemisphere. El Nino has been officially confirmed to appear since June and continue to strengthen in July. According to CPC, sea surface temperatures in some areas The Pacific Ocean was over 2degC higher than average and 1.4degC higher in the central ocean. Unusually warm water masses deep under the equatorial Pacific region are forecast to continue to promote El Ninos strength from now until the end of the year. CPC forecasts that El Nino will definitely continue until the end of March 2027 and has a 97% chance of lasting until the end of April 2027. Malaysia faces the risk of a sharp decrease in rain and temperatures rising to 40degC. In that context, the Malaysian Meteorological Agency warns that the country may face hotter weather, prolonged dry spells and increased risk of dust as El Nino gradually strengthens in the region. According to Malaysias forecast, there is There is an 81% chance that El Nino will reach strong to extremely strong intensity from October and the probability of this phenomenon lasting until early next year is up to 97%. The immediate impact is reduced rainfall. The rainfall deficit is forecast to peak as soon as August due to the combination of the southwest monsoon and El Nino-related conditions. Long-term forecasts from August 2026 to January 2027 show that rainfall is lower than average in many areas, of which some places may decrease by more than 35% in the next 3-6 months. Reduced rainfall leads to the risk of local drought and puts pressure on water supplies, water levels at reservoirs as well as agricultural production. Dry conditions also increase the risk of cross-border smog, especially if uncontrolled open burning activities occur. The Malaysian Meteorological Agency also warned that temperatures could reach 40degC early next year due to the impact of a very strong El Nino. Current conditions have been compared to the 1997-1998 El Nino, when Southeast Asia experienced severe smog, water shortages and disruptions at airports. Malaysia then recorded a temperature of 40.1degC in Chuping, Perlis state on April 9, 1998, the highest level ever recorded in the country. Malaysian Minister of Natural Resources and Sustainable Environment Arthur Joseph Kurup said the southwest monsoon is exacerbating the impact of El Nino, creating hot, dry weather conditions and increasing the risk of fires across the region. Heat also increases health risks. Director General of the Malaysian Meteorological Agency Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip advised people to be cautious when exposed to long-term ultraviolet radiation, especially when outdoors between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. every day. Monitor water resources, agriculture and the risk of forest fires. Facing the risk of prolonged El Nino, Malaysia is coordinating with state governments and relevant agencies to prepare to respond to potential impacts on agriculture, water supply and water levels at lakes. containing.Another focus is on controlling the risk of cross-border wildfires and smog. At meetings on transboundary dust pollution held in Bali, Indonesia in early July, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Timor Leste reviewed strategies to prevent forest fires and land fires. According to the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Dust Pollution, alert level 2 was activated from August 3, requiring member countries to report daily on the situation of forest fires, dust and specific response measures implemented. Forecasts Current evidence shows that Malaysia may face the impacts of El Nino for many months, from heat, lack of rain and pressure on water resources and agriculture to the risk of forest fires, dust and impacts on peoples health. Monitoring water sources, preparing for drought and coordinating areas to control fires and dust are therefore becoming the focus of this countrys response.An BinhSee moreThe UN warns that El Nino may peak from September to December, with impacts lasting into 2027See moreWMO warns that El Nino will strengthen from August: What is the weather impact?See moreEl Nino will be very strong by the end of the year 2026?See moreSuper El Nino can push global food prices up sharplySee moreCoffee prices peak for many months due to El Nino concernsSee moreEl Ninos reappearance will cause temperatures to rise around the worldSee moreEl Nino phenomenon has appeared: What consequences lie ahead?
