Experts have predicted that there is a possibility that Malaysians may have to endure the El Nino weather phenomenon again in the second half of the year. Aside from another possible water rationing season thanks to the hot and dry season, El Nino, a periodic warming in the waters of the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, is predicted to cast a severe six-month long dry spell, if it hits the country.
See Also: An Expat’s View on Enjoying Malaysia’s Pleasant Weather
If it hits, the prolonged dry spell will seriously affect farmers who grow rice, vegetables, fruits and palm oil. Malaysia’s rice stockpile may drop because of this (farmers need more water to grow rice). According to Agriculture and Agro-based Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaacob, the ministry was making plans to prepare themselves for El Nino by having discussions with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, rice farmers and others in the industry.
At the moment, local weather experts aren’t sure if Malaysia will be affected, but the United Kingdom Meteorological Office predicts that El Nino will descend on Southeast Asia in the middle of this year.
In 1998, temperatures in Malaysia rose to up to 40.1 degrees Celsius in certain areas when the El Nino weather phenomenon hit.
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