Kota Kinabalu: Even the normally cool Kundasang is feeling the heat as unusually harsh conditions grip parts of Sabah, with extreme ultraviolet (UV) levels and haze adding to the discomfort.
A farmer, Julidin Kasinin, 35, said the difference was noticeable despite Kundasang’s higher elevation and generally cooler climate.
“Although we are in the highlands, we can still feel the heat. Fortunately, it has been quite windy, which makes it a little more comfortable,” he said.
In Ranau, the heat has changed how Rayner, 41, goes about even routine errands in town.
He said he found himself stopping at eateries several times for cold drinks while attending to his affairs.
“I never used an umbrella before, but now it really helps. Otherwise, it feels like the skin is burning under the sun,” he said.
The situation is more intense in Telupid, which has been placed under a Level One hot weather alert after daily maximum temperatures reached between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius.
Maya Jey, 37, said the heat had become unbearable enough for her to keep her children indoors.
“The weather is extremely hot. I don’t allow my children to do outdoor activities for now,” she said.
She said she and several family members also suffered migraines which they believed were brought by the intense heat.
“I just want to stay inside the house, but we don’t have air-conditioning.
“The heat makes you feel like taking a shower several times a day,” she said.
The experiences of residents come as temperatures rise across Sabah.
According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), Kudat recorded a maximum temperature of 35.5°C on Monday, among the highest readings recorded nationwide.
Sandakan was not far behind at 35.1°C, followed by Keningau at 33.5°C, Kota Kinabalu 33.2°C, Lahad Datu 32.7°C, Ranau 32.2°C and Tawau 31.8°C.
Temperatures across Sabah are generally expected to range between 22°C and 35°C, with mostly clear skies and little rainfall in many areas during the morning and afternoon.
But the temperature is only part of the concern.
Sabah is also experiencing very high to extreme UV radiation, increasing the risk for those spending long periods outdoors.
In Kota Kinabalu, the daily maximum UV Index reached 10 at 11am Tuesday, which is classified as “very high”.
This was slightly lower than the reading of 11 at the same time on Monday.
Monday’s UV Index reached the extreme category, peaking at between 11.3 and 11.4 before beginning to decline after 12.30pm. The outlook indicates little respite over the next few days.
UV readings are forecast to reach 11 from Wednesday, with a reading of 12 expected by Saturday – both within the “extreme” category.
Telupid is similarly experiencing high to extreme UV levels, particularly between 10am and 4pm, compounding the effects of the hot weather there.
Under MetMalaysia’s classification, a UV Index of three to five is considered moderate, eight to 10 very high and 11 or above extreme.
At very high levels, unprotected skin can be damaged and burn quickly.
MetMalaysia advises the public to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun between 11am and 3pm, seek shade and use protection such as suitable clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.
At extreme levels, full precautions are recommended as unprotected skin can be affected within minutes.
The hot conditions could persist as the wider region enters a drier period.
The Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) expects drier and warmer conditions to affect parts of Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines during the Aug 3-16 period, with the possibility of the conditions persisting beyond that period.
Another concern is smoke haze from Kalimantan.
With the Southwest Monsoon bringing prevailing winds generally from the southwest, Sabah and Sarawak could potentially be affected by transboundary haze should smoke from persistent hotspots be transported across Borneo.
The combination of dry weather, intense sunshine and possible haze means Sabahans could face uncomfortable conditions over the coming days.
The public has been advised to limit prolonged outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, drink sufficient water and take precautions against intense UV exposure.
Those working outdoors are also advised to keep abreast of the latest hot-weather, UV and air-quality advisories.
