A PERSISTENT hot spell and dry weather continue to affect northern Peninsular Malaysia, with several areas experiencing prolonged high temperatures in recent days.
According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) official Facebook page, two districts in Penang are currently under Level 1 (alert) status as of 6:00am today, with daily maximum temperatures ranging between 35°C and 37°C for at least three consecutive days.
The affected areas include the Northeast District and North Seberang Perai District.
Meanwhile, in the neighbouring state of Kedah, areas such as Pokok Sena, Pendang, and Baling have reached Level 2 (heatwave) status, recording temperatures between 37°C and 40°C.
Across the northern region, several districts in Kedah, Perlis, Perak and Pahang are also under Level 1 alert, reflecting the wider pattern of warm and dry weather conditions.
A Level 2 heatwave is defined as daily maximum temperatures of between 37°C and 40°C for at least three consecutive days, while Level 1 indicates temperatures of 35°C to 37°C over the same duration.
Encouragingly, weather forecasts indicate that conditions are expected to improve, with showers and thunderstorms anticipated on Sunday (March 29), bringing potential relief from the current heat.
In the meantime, the public, is encouraged to stay hydrated, limit prolonged exposure to the sun and look out for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
Apart from that, METMalaysia Director-General Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip, in a statement today, shared that the inter-monsoon phase is expected to begin on March 29 and continue until May.
According to him, the start of this phase marks the end of the 2025/2026 northeast monsoon, which began last November.
Despite the current hot spell, Penang continues to draw both local and international tourists. Below are the pictures clicked at several tourist spots in Penang :-
The public is advised to remain vigilant during this period and to stay updated with weather forecasts and warnings issued by the METMalaysia through its official website, the myCuaca mobile application, and official social media channels.
In terms of water resources, according to the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) website, as of 6:51 pm today, the effective capacities of Air Itam, Mengkuang, and Teluk Bahang Dams stood at 71.5%, 84.9%, and 91.3%, respectively.
For further inquiries, the public may contact the METMalaysia via its hotline at 1-300-22-1638.
They can also visit the official website of METMalaysia at (https://www.met.gov.my/home) and PBAPP at (https://pba.com.my/) for further updates on weather forecast and Penang Dam water levels.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Law Suun Ting