27-12-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Meteorological experts predict that Malaysia is set to experience cool weather in the coming days, possibly even a cold wave that could extend into next month.
Professor Dato’ Azizan, a meteorologist from the National Antarctic Research Centre, stated that based on weather forecasts, the average temperature on the Malay Peninsula is expected to range between 21°C and 25°C for at least the next two days, starting from yesterday.
“Typically, our afternoon temperatures are around 31°C to 32°C, which is 5 to 6 degrees lower than the normal average temperature,” explained Azizan.
Thailand is also expected to witness a similar situation, with temperatures in Bangkok and most parts of the country (excluding the southern region) projected to drop to 3°C between December 20 and 25. The local meteorological bureau attributes this to a powerful cold front from China, causing a decrease in temperatures.
“It is expected that the cold wave will result in a temperature drop of 5°C to 8°C in the northeastern part, 4°C to 6°C in the northern part, and 3°C to 5°C in the central (including Bangkok) and eastern parts of Thailand from December 20 to 25. The temperature in the upper southern region is expected to be 2°C to 4°C,” Azizan added.
He pointed out that monsoon surges usually bring continuous rainfall and strong winds to the South China Sea, which may cause an additional 1°C or 2°C drop in temperatures.
“According to reports from the Thai Meteorological Bureau, this will be related to a cold front and an extremely strong high pressure, and our wind is coming from the Siberian high pressure. Therefore, the Siberian high pressure will bring additional cold air to the area,” Azizan stated.
According to the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Siberian high pressure is a key factor influencing abnormal weather in some parts of Asia during the winter. It is closely linked to extreme weather conditions such as cold waves, heavy fog, freezing rain, and more.
Azizan also predicted that the cold wave might continue until the end of this month, but it depends on several factors.
“By December 29, the intensity of the high pressure will weaken. So, it depends on the situation. Usually, high pressure lasts for a few days, and then we have to wait for about a week to check the intensity for the next few days,” he explained.
Climate scientist Dr. Freddolin concurred, explaining that if a strong cold air mass intrudes, it could affect most parts of Thailand and some areas of Malaysia.
“We experienced a similar situation earlier this year,” he noted.
As early as January, weather forecasts indicated that due to overcast skies and continuous days of rain, temperatures in some parts of Malaysia dropped to 23°C. In 2014, temperatures in Gua Musang, Kelantan, ranged between 17°C and 18°C.
The normal temperatures in Malaysia generally range from 32°C to 34°C.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department has issued continuous heavy rain alerts for several regions, including Terengganu, Kelantan, and more, with heavy rain expected to persist until today.
“In the case of Kelantan, it involves the northern region, Pasir Mas, Kota Bharu, Jeli, Tanah Merah, Pasir Puteh, Machang, Bukit Panau, and Gua Musang, among other areas,” stated Mohamad Hizam, the director of the Malaysian Meteorological Department, adding that affected areas in Terengganu include Besut, Setiu, Kuala Nerus, and Dungun, among others.
Moreover, the Malaysian Meteorological Department has also issued continuous rainfall warnings for several areas in six states.
This warning covers Kuala Lumpur, Kedah (Langkawi, Pendang, Kota Setar, Pokok Sena, Padang Terap, Baling, Sik, and Kuala Muda), Perak (Ulu Perak), Kelantan (Gua Musang), Terengganu (Kemaman), and Pahang (Temerloh and Kuantan).
