Malaysia’s Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia) is warning that hotter and drier conditions could soon set in as the El Niño weather pattern develops and is expected to last into early 2027.
In a statement on June 14, 2026, the agency said it is keeping a close watch on the phenomenon, which is likely to affect weather across the country during the ongoing Southwest Monsoon period running from May 14 to September 2026.
MET Malaysia said the combination of El Niño and the monsoon could reduce rainfall in some areas. That raises the risk of water shortages, forest and peat fires, and haze episodes.
To prepare, the department has stepped up its early warning system and increased the flow of weather updates to government agencies and the public. By June 2026, it had carried out more than 70 briefings and engagement sessions at national, state and district levels.
These included sessions with the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, the National Economic Action Council, the Department of Agriculture, as well as disaster management committees nationwide.
The agency is also publishing seven-day forecasts for forest and peatland fire risk, alongside haze outlooks. It said it is ready to support cloud seeding operations if needed and if weather conditions allow.
The public is being urged to monitor updates through the myCuaca app and MET Malaysia’s official website, use water responsibly, and avoid open burning.
MET Malaysia said it will continue to provide timely weather updates to help the country prepare for potential extreme weather impacts.
