Photo by Mohd Alif Noni
KUCHING: Sarawak will be experiencing less rainfall from this month until May.
According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department Weather’s website, the weather forecast for Sarawak showed no rainfall from today (Mar 23) until March 26, while expecting isolated rain over inland areas in the mornings and afternoons of March 27 and March 28.
The weather temperature in Sarawak now is at 32 degree Celsius.
When contacted today to ask whether the heat was due to El Nino phenomenon, Natural Resources and Environment Board Sarawak (NREB) said it is predicted to be weak this year.
“This year El Nino is likely is to be weak, with probability of approximately 55 per cent occurrence until May this year,” NREB said.
This is unlike the years 1998 and 2016, where NREB said the weather temperature was very hot due to El Nino.
In view of the hot weather, NREB had advised the general public to drink enough fluids and avoid outdoor and open burning activities.
“According to the Meteorological Department, it is predicted that rainfall for March is low to high from coastal to hinterland,” NREB said.
The pattern is expected to continue for April until May.
Meanwhile, NREB disclosed as of Thursday (March 21), most Air Pollution Index (API) readings in Sarawak registered a moderate air level of over 50.
Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, Samalaju, Miri, Sarikei, Limbang, Samarahan, Sri Amai and Kapit registered API readings of moderate level.
Kuching registered an API reading of 60, Sibu (59), Bintulu, Samarahan, and Sri Aman (56), Samalaju, Miri, Sarikei, and Limbang (53), Kapit (55).
While Miri, Mukah, and Lawas registered good API reading at 49, 44, and 30 respectively.
The air quality is considered good if it is between 0 and 50, moderate between 51 to 100, unhealthy at 101 to 200, very unhealthy at 201 to 300 and hazardous at 301 to 500.
According to NREB, if the air quality is registered at moderate level, it is still safe for most people.
However, people with heart and lung diseases, such as asthma, and children might be sensitive.
NREB also said that as of today no hotspots of open burning were reported, but there is one case in Kalimantan and Sumatera.
However, NREB said there is one hotspot reported in Betong division on Feb 21.
