1.3  SOLAR RADIATION

Most parts of the country recorded normal solar radiation throughout this period (some parts of Pahang, Kelantan and Selangor recorded above normal solar radiation). As shown in Figure 5 below, most parts of Peninsular Malaysia recorded between 17 to 18 MJm^-2daily solar radiation while in East Malasyia, recorded between 16 to 17 MJm^-2  daily solar radiation. Lower solar radiation was recorded in southern parts of Johore with 12.6 MJm^-2 daily solar radiation. Meanwhile, Selangor and small parts of Kelantan recorded highest daily solar radiation ranged between 18.7 to 19 MJm^-2.  

1.4  TEMPERATURE

In general, most of the lowland areas in Malaysia recorded below normal to much above normal temperature during this period. Penang, Malacca, Kota Bharu, Kuantan had very much above normal while Kudat much below normal temperature. Daily mean temperatures were between 26.0 and 28.9ºC. The highest temperature recorded during this period was 35.5ºC being reported at Machang, Kelantan. On the other hand, the lowest temperature of 20.6ºC was recorded at Kemaman, Terengganu. The mean daily temperature recorded at Cameron Highlands was 18.0ºC with the highest and lowest values of 24.4ºC and 14.5ºC respectively. The average temperature for this area was normal for this period.

Fig. 6 : Deviation from normal of mean temperature (°C) at 29 Principal Meteorological  Stations in Malaysia

[ TABLE 1] [ TABLE 2a] [ TABLE 2b] [ TABLE 2c] [ CROPS ]

2.  SOIL MOISTURE DISTRIBUTION 

The Soil Moisture Distribution Map in Figure 7 displays the daily distribution of soil moisture in Malaysia on 10 November 2008.  Generally, Malaysia experienced very wet condition during the day with soil moisture content of the day over most places in Malaysia ranged from 80 to 100% per day. Alternatively, in northern Kelantan had soil moisture content of the day ranging from 40 to 70 % of soil moisture content of the day.

The soil moisture shown in the map is indicative values of the amounts of water in the top 1m depth of a horizontal soil. They are estimated daily by the water budgeting/balance method. Daily rainfall amounts are used as inputs to the soil water content. The daily evapotranspiration rates are estimated by using the modified Penman-Monteith formula which needs as inputs daily mean values of temperature, humidity, solar radiation and wind speed. These meteorological variables together with rainfall are those measured at principal meteorological stations of the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MMD) located throughout the country. A few stations that are manned by non-MMD staff are also included to improve the spatial coverage. At the non-MMD staffed stations, solar radiation is usually not measured and sunshine duration is used to estimate the value of solar radiation by applying the Angstrom Equation. The ArcView software is employed to perform spatial analysis.

The holding capacity of the soil is assumed to be 30 cm out of the 1 m depth of soil. The field capacity and wilting point are assumed to have the values 0.3 and 0.1 respectively. For interpreting these maps, please refer to the following table:  

3.  WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR THE COMING DECADE  (21st. – 30th. November 2008)

Based on the map in Figure 8, climatologically the whole Malaysia is wet in the third decade of November due to sign of the beginning of the northeast monsoon. Almost the whole of Malaysia is shown to have rainfall between 50 to 200 mm except for the northwest and southwest of the Peninsular shown to have 30 to 70 mm rainfall.

For the outlook of the next 10-day, moderate to occasionally heavy, scattered to widespread intermittent rain with cloudy over the areas is expected over northern Peninsular Malaysia (Kelantan and Terengganu) during this period. The central and northern region of Peninsular Malaysia will have higher rainfall ranging from 60 to 150 mm as compared to the south.  Other places in Peninsular Malaysia together with East Malaysia  is also expected to receive  rainfall ranged 50 to 60 mm  toward the end of the month.

Figure 8 : Rainfall (mm) for the Period 21st. – 30th. November 2008

Based on Long-term Climatologically Records

4. EXPECTED WEATHER IMPACT ON AGRICULTURE DURING THE COMING DECADE DECADE (21st. – 30th. November 2008)

Generally, most places in Malaysia will experience wet condition with expected rainfall amount of between 50 to 230mm. The amount of rainfall in Malaysia throughout this period would favour agricultural activities that require good amount of rainfall. However, continuous moisture-saturated soil conditions will limit the growth and development of roots of some crops mainly over northeast of Peninsular, coastal area of easten Sabah and most part of Sarawak, which is expected to be in very wet conditions.

[ Back ]