Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen: El Niño may bring hotter, drier conditions to S’wak until early 2027

File photo for illustration purposes only. Source: KittisakJiraittichai/Getty Images via Canva

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, June 9: Stay hydrated and pile on the sunscreen because if you think Sarawak is hot and dry now, it’s about to get even hotter and drier from July onwards following the development of the El Niño phenomenon, which is forecast to strengthen over the coming months.

In a TVS report, Sarawak Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) director Khairul Najib Ibrahim said that based on the latest climate projections, El Niño is expected to develop and intensify by July 2026 and may persist at least until early 2027.

“Between November 2026 and January 2027, there is approximately a 67 per cent probability that the phenomenon will reach a strong to very strong category, while there is around a 31 per cent probability that it will remain at a moderate or weaker level,” he said when contacted by TVS today.

As a result, Sarawak is expected to receive below-average rainfall, particularly in the central and western regions of the State, from June to November 2026.

According to him, current forecasts indicate that the dry conditions are likely to peak between June and August, coinciding with the Southwest Monsoon, which typically brings hotter weather and less rainfall to the region.

The situation is expected to increase the risk of higher ambient temperatures, potentially affecting daily activities, the agricultural sector, and water resources if the dry spell persists.

The public is also advised to use water prudently, especially during periods of hot and dry weather, and to reduce outdoor activities that may pose health risks due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

“The public is reminded not to carry out open burning, as drier weather conditions can increase the risk of fires and contribute to local as well as transboundary haze incidents,” he added. — DayakDaily