KUALA LUMPUR: The hot, dry and windy conditions in northern Peninsular Malaysia, known locally as “musim timur”, is a normal weather pattern during the northeast monsoon season, says an expert. Universiti Malaya (UM) meteorologist Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Azizan Abu Samah said the north-east monsoon is driven by cold surges, strong northeasterly or easterly winds and a ­low-pressure zone, known as the monsoon trough. “These hot and dry conditions are normal for northern Peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand as the monsoon trough has shifted to the southern South China Sea. “Northern states are now outside the convergence zone, entering the east season or dry spell with clear skies, dry and windy conditions. Prof Azizan said the south, including Johor, Sabah and Sarawak, is now seeing more rain as the monsoon trough shifts.

Source: The Star January 30, 2026 01:37 UTC