El Nino and dry weather can contribute to smoke, says MetMalaysia

El Nino which has prevailed since October last year and the dry weather associated with it could contribute to incidents of smoke in the country, according to the Meteorological Department.

The department's deputy director-general (Weather and Climate), Alui Bahari said smoke would occur when particulate matter from industry activities and motorised vehicles fill the air, minimising visibility.

"Nevertheless, local smoke will not be severe and is only temporary," he told Bernama when contacted.

On the current hot spell, he said the country was seeing the end of the northeast monsoon season which would last until early April.

During the period, certain areas experience dry weather and lack of rain coupled with El Nino will see the temperature rising by 0.5 to 2.0 degrees Celsius, he said.

Weather forecasts and related information can be obtained through the department's website at http://www.met.gov.my/. – Bernama