Mercury continues to fall in Kuala Krai

Following devastating floods in December, Kelatan has now been hit by a sudden short spell of cold weather.

The mercury has reportedly fallen to 16 degrees Celsius in Kuala Krai, posing a problem to flood victims who are still temporarily housed in tents. They have also taken to wearing socks and thick blankets.

The cold weather phenomenon began in mid-January when temperatures in several districts dipped to between 19 and 20 degrees Celsius especially at night and in the early morning.

Early last year, the nation experienced a bout of cold weather where several areas in the country recorded temperatures as low as 17.2 degrees Celsius.

UKM’s Geography and Urban Climate expert, Prof. Datuk Dr Shaharuddin Ahmad said, the phenomenon is primarily attributed to cold and dry winds blowing from Siberia.

This, he added, caused high-pressure winds to blow across the Southeast Asian region including Malaysia which is currently going through the monsoon season.