El Nino: Malaysia to face hot, dry weather and haze until April
Malaysia faces the prospect of hotter, drier weather and heightened haze risk as the El Nino phenomenon is forecast to strengthen and persist until April 2027, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) said…
Source: Utusan Malaysia · October 1, 2026 at 3:02 AM · AI-assisted report
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MALAYSIA, 1 OCTOBER 2026 —
Malaysia faces the prospect of hotter, drier weather and heightened haze risk as the El Nino phenomenon is forecast to strengthen and persist until April 2027, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) said on Monday.
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Director-General Dr. Mohd. Hisham Mohd. Anip told Utusan Malaysia that the phenomenon is expected to begin influencing the country's weather patterns and may continue until March 2027, with the most pronounced effects likely in March and April when daily maximum temperatures are projected to rise significantly. The department warned that reduced rainfall distribution across several areas could trigger water supply shortages, forest and peat fires, and haze episodes if dry conditions persist.
"Keadaan itu berpotensi meningkatkan risiko kekurangan bekalan air, kebakaran hutan dan tanah gambut serta kejadian jerebu sekiranya keadaan kering berterusan," Dr. Mohd. Hisham said. He highlighted particular concern over reduced rainfall expected in Sabah and parts of Peninsular Malaysia early next year, which could prolong the hot and dry spell and elevate the risk of open burning, forest fires, and peat fires that contribute to haze formation.
The department explained that El Nino typically brings drier-than-normal conditions to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, due to changes in atmospheric patterns and rainfall distribution. For Malaysia, a moderate or strong El Nino can cause rainfall in Sabah and Sarawak to fall below average, while the Peninsula is also exposed to drier conditions during certain periods.
Prolonged dry weather increases water demand as temperatures rise, particularly in the domestic, agricultural, and economic sectors that depend on water resources.
METMalaysia previously warned that hot and dry weather stemming from El Nino could heighten the risk of water source depletion, forest fires, and cross-border haze. The department is now intensifying its monitoring and dissemination of weather information, and has begun providing forest and peat fire risk forecasts up to seven days in advance, alongside haze forecasts, to assist related agencies in their preparedness efforts.
Authorities have urged the public to use water prudently and to refrain from open burning activities throughout the hot and dry period. The advisory comes as the department ramps up its early warning capabilities to mitigate the anticipated impacts on water security, agriculture, and public health in the months ahead.
Related: Malaysian Meteorological Department · Dr. Mohd. Hisham Mohd. Anip · Malaysia