M'sia could see up to 40°C days in early 2027 due to Super El Niño forecast

Daily temperatures in Malaysia could hit up to 40°C in 2027 as the climate pattern known as a "Super El Niño" is projected to develop.

This was shared with the media on Jul. 7 by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), The Star reported.

The El Niño phenomenon refers to the warming of waters in the Pacific Ocean which in turn leads to heavy rains and floods in South America and also drought and heatwaves in Southeast Asia and parts of Australia.

The stronger El Niño phase is expected to peak between November 2026 and January 2027, said the deputy director general of operations Ambun Dindang.

Less rainfall is expected across most parts of the country as a result.

"With a strong El Niño forecast and the increasingly evident effects of global warming, temperatures of around 40°C could potentially occur in Malaysia between March and May 2027," typically the country's hottest period each year, said director-general Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip, as quoted by The News Straits Times.

El Niño forecast

Mohd Hisham cited historical meteorological records, when Malaysia experienced a strong El Niño episode between 1997 and 1998, and between 2016 and 2017.

During those periods, daily maximum temperatures can exceed 38°C, he said.

On Apr. 9, 1998, Malaysia recorded its highest-ever temperature of 40.1°C in Cuping, Perlis, Ambun said.

For the upcoming projected El Niño, the areas most at risk of extreme heat are the northern states, the inland areas of Kelantan and Pahang, and the inner regions of Sabah and Sarawak.

Preparations

Malaysia's government agencies have begun preparations for extreme weather, wildfires, water shortages, health issues, as well as education disruptions, Ambun said.

MetMalaysia has intensified its extreme weather monitoring and its forecast of fire and haze risks, while remaining prepared to support cloud seeding operations if necessary.

Hot and dry conditions can also increase the risk of forest fires.

The director-general of the Fire and Rescue Department separately said that 200 operational vehicles will be deployed in July 2026 to boost monitoring and firefighting in response to potential fire outbreaks.

Weather updates and advisories can be found on MetMalaysia's official website, social media platforms, and the MyCuaca app.