Gloomy day: A woman looking at the waves on a beach in Kuantan, which was covered by cloudy skies with scattered rain yesterday. MetMalaysia has issued a continuous rain warning for Kuantan until today. Those living near Sungai Belat, Sungai Galing and Sungai Kuantan are at risk of being flooded and are advised to be alert for any possibility due to the continuous rain. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: The country is expected to have pleasant cool weather and even a possible cold snap in the next few days, which could persist until next month, say climate experts.
National Antarctica Research Centre meteorological expert Prof Datuk Dr Azizan Abu Samah said that according to the weather forecast, the average temperature for Peninsular Malaysia would be around 21°C to 25°C for at least two days from yesterday.
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“Normally, our afternoon temperature is around 31°C to 32°C, so that is five to six degrees lower than the normal average,” he said when contacted yesterday.
There is a similar forecast for Thailand. The kingdom is experiencing cooler weather as temperatures are forecast to dip to 3°C from Dec 20-25 in Bangkok and most of Thailand except the southern areas.
Its Meteorological Department said temperatures were set to dip as a powerful high-pressure front from China sweeps in.
A cold wave is expected to lower the temperature by 5°C to 8°C in the northeast, 4°C to 6°C in the north, 3°C to 5°C in central Thailand (including Bangkok) and the east, and 2°C to 4°C in the upper southern region between Dec 20 and 25.
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Prof Azizan noted that the monsoon surge, which normally brings continuous rain as well as strong winds and rough seas in the South China Sea, was still around and could lead to a dip in temperature by an extra 1°C or 2°C.
“Our wind originates from the Siberian High, so there is a cold spell that is associated with an extra strength high pressure as reported by the Thai Meteorological Department.
“So, since the wind originates from the Siberian High, it will bring extra cold air to the region,” he added.
According to the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Siberian High is a pressure system that serves as one of the key factors affecting abnormal weather in parts of Asia in winter.
It is closely related to extreme weather events such as cold snaps, fog and freezing rain.
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It is also a large and persistent area of high pressure that is often associated with cold and dry weather, and has a strong influence on the weather patterns across the northern latitudes of the northern hemisphere.
Prof Azizan also predicted that the possible cold snap could last until the end of the month though that would depend on several factors.
“By Dec 29, the surge will decrease in its intensity.
“So, it depends – usually the surge will last for a few days and then we have to wait for a week or so to check its intensity for the next few days,” he said.
Climatologist Dr Fredolin Tangang concurred, saying that if there is a strong meandering of the jet stream and the encroachment of cold air masses, it could affect mostly Thailand, and also parts of Malaysia.
“We have experienced a similar situation before in the early part of this year,” he said.
Back in January, weather forecasts showed that some areas in Malaysia recorded temperatures as low as 23°C due to gloomy weather conditions and continuous rain for a few days.
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In 2014, the temperature in Kuala Krai, Kelantan, during this period was recorded at between 17°C and 18°C.
The normal Malaysian temperature is between 32°C and 34°C.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a severe-level continuous heavy rain affecting several areas in Terengganu and Kelantan.
Its director-general Muhammad Helmi Abdullah said that continuous heavy rain was predicted to persist until today.
“In Kelantan, it involves areas such as Tumpat, Pasir Mas, Kota Baru, Jeli, Tanah Merah, Bachok, Machang, Pasir Puteh and Kuala Krai,” he said.
And in Terengganu, it includes areas such as Besut, Setiu, Kuala Nerus, Hulu Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, Marang and Dungun, he said in a statement.
MetMalaysia also issued a continuous rain warning in several localities across six states.
Muhammad Helmi said that the warning covered Perlis, Kedah (Langkawi, Kubang Pasu, Kota Setar, Pokok Sena, Padang Terap, Pendang, Sik and Baling), Perak (Hulu Perak), Kelantan (Gua Musang), Terengganu (Kemaman) and Pahang (Jerantut and Kuantan).
