Malaysia may face temperatures reaching as high as 40 degrees Celsius in early 2027 due to a strong Super El Niño event forecast to peak between November 2026 and January 2027, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) said in July 2026 [1, 2, 3].
Northern and central parts of Peninsular Malaysia are expected to see temperatures between 39°C and 40°C if dry conditions persist into early 2027. "This is with northern and central parts of Peninsular Malaysia potentially recording temperatures of between 39 deg C and 40 deg C if conditions persist into early 2027," said Ambun Dindang, Deputy Director-General (Operations) of MetMalaysia [1].
The Super El Niño is also expected to reduce rainfall across most of Malaysia during late 2026 and early 2027, raising concerns over drought, wildfires, health impacts, haze, and disruptions to education [1, 2, 3, 4]. MetMalaysia has enhanced monitoring efforts including monthly ENSO updates, hot weather alerts, the Fire Danger Rating System, and air quality models to predict fire and haze risks [1, 2, 3]. It also stands ready to support cloud seeding operations if necessary to alleviate drought and fire dangers [1, 2, 3].
Malaysia recorded its highest maximum temperature of 40.1°C in Chuping, Perlis on April 9, 1998 during a previous strong El Niño event [1, 2, 3, 4]. The upcoming Super El Niño could bring nearly comparable heat levels.
The Fire and Rescue Department has identified 183 fire hot spots nationwide where fires occurred at least five times over the past three years, with 83 sites involving large-scale open burning [1, 2, 3]. Nordin Pauzi, Division Director of Fire and Rescue, said, "We have identified 183 hot spots nationwide where fires have occurred at least five times over the past three years, and have strengthened operational readiness with additional vehicles, drones, and helicopters to tackle expected extreme weather" [3]. The department plans to deploy 200 mobile fire vehicles and expand drone usage, with two new helicopters arriving between October and November 2026 to boost firefighting capacity [3, 4].
There is a medium-level risk of transboundary haze affecting Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Brunei due to dry weather and hotspots in neighboring countries. However, Ambun Dindang emphasized, "It is still too early to confirm that Malaysia would face a serious haze episode as the situation depended on weather developments and wind direction from time to time" [3, 4].
The Super El Niño is forecast to peak between November 2026 and January 2027, bringing reduced rainfall and high temperatures to Malaysia [1, 2, 3, 4]. Authorities remain on alert and have increased preparedness measures to respond to the extreme weather expected in early 2027.
