Freezing Morning In Jeli Not A Threat

JELI, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- The cold weather phenomenon that caused temperatures in the Jeli district to drop to 19 degrees Celsius recently is a seasonal occurrence and does not pose any safety threat to residents.

A senior lecturer at the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Dr Siti Hajar Ya’acob, said the temperature drop was influenced by the active Northeast Monsoon, which brings cooler air masses from mainland Asia into the region.

She said that clearer night skies also contribute to natural cooling, particularly in interior areas.

“The Jeli district, located inland near the Titiwangsa Range and at a higher elevation than coastal areas, is more susceptible to lower minimum temperatures, especially in the early morning.

“Although temperatures of around 19 degrees Celsius are considered low for Kelantan, they remain within the range of recorded weather variations, particularly during periods of strong monsoon activity,” she told Bernama recently.

Siti Hajar said the situation was not unusual and had occurred during previous weather episodes.

“Based on current projections, this cold spell is expected to be temporary, lasting from several days up to one or two weeks, depending on the strength of the monsoon and changes in local atmospheric conditions.

“The cooler weather may cause mild discomfort and increase the risk of colds and respiratory issues, particularly among children and the elderly,t,” she said.

She advised the public to wear appropriate clothing, limit early-morning exposure to cold air, and maintain good health and hydration.

Commenting on the agricultural sector, she noted that cooler temperatures could have mixed effects, such as slowing the growth of certain crops while reducing heat stress on others.

Overall, she said the local ecosystem is expected to adapt without significant impact.

Siti Hajar said the phenomenon cannot be directly attributed to climate change, although the increasingly pronounced weather variations highlight the need for continuous monitoring of Malaysia’s weather patterns.

She also advised the public to obtain the latest weather updates from official sources and to avoid speculation that could cause unnecessary public concern.

Meanwhile, Head of the Environmental Sustainability Science Programme at the faculty, Dr Amal Najihah Muhamad Nor, said temperatures in Jeli are currently almost comparable to those in Cameron Highlands, making the experience something relatively new for residents.

“In all my years in Jeli since 2012, this is the first time I have experienced cold weather at this level. Previously, we only heard of similar conditions in Kuala Krai, but now Jeli is also experiencing it. There is no need to travel to Cameron Highlands — Jeli itself already feels cold,” she said.

She added that the cold weather phenomenon has the potential to become a tourist attraction from December to March, complementing the existing tourism offerings in and around Jeli.

Meanwhile, a Bachelor of Science (Environmental Sustainability) student at the faculty, Farah Nabila Ahmad, 26, said the temperature difference was significant compared to other areas such as Penang, which remained hot even at night.

She said the cold conditions required her to prepare hot water for bathing in the morning.

“The changes in weather patterns are clearly different from previous years, with the current cold conditions occurring without heavy rain, especially at night,” she said.

Another student at the faculty, Muhamad Zammil Hakim Mohamad Noor Sabri, 23, who is taking a Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Sustainability), said the recent cold spell was among the most noticeable during the three years he had lived in the area, particularly in the early mornings.

He said the most challenging moments were during bathing and performing ablution at dawn, as the rented house he stayed in relied on hill water without heating facilities.

He added that he had to sleep in thick clothing and use extra blankets to cope with the low temperatures.

A government pensioner,  Mohd Arzmi Hassan, 67, said the unusually cold conditions had been felt over the past few days, especially during early mornings and late nights, prompting residents to keep windows tightly shut to block out the cold wind.

“I have lived in Jeli for a long time, but this time it really feels different. The mornings are as cold as Genting, to the point where there is visible mist,” he said.

A Bernama survey around the Jeli district found thick fog forming in the early mornings following the recent cold weather, creating a highland-like atmosphere and reducing visibility in certain areas.

However, the phenomenon did not significantly disrupt residents’ daily activities.

-- BERNAMA