PETALING JAYA: Seven areas in Sarawak are under a Level 1 hot weather alert as firemen battle to put out open fires.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) sounded the alert on Tuesday (July 30) for Telang Usan, Marudi in the north-eastern part of the state, Sibu, Kapit, Kuching, and Sri Aman and Lubok Antu along the border with Kalimantan.

A Level 1 alert urging caution is issued when temperatures at a location are between 35°C and 37°C for three consecutive days.

According to the MetMalaysia website, a Level 2 or heatwave alert is issued when a location sees 37°C to 40°C temperatures for three days in a row.

Three consecutive days of temperatures over 40°C will trigger a Level 3 extreme heatwave warning.

The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department reportedly said that 97 cases were recorded in the state between July 22 and 28.

Over in Peninsular Malaysia, thunderstorms and heavy rain on Tuesday have helped to cool down temperatures, with only Rompin in Pahang still seeing Level 1 status.

The country is experiencing drier and hotter weather under the south-west monsoon until September.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/30/seven-areas-in-sarawak-on-level-1-hot-weather-alert