KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 8 -- Malaysia could experience extreme heat and dry weather from January to May next year, with temperatures in some areas potentially reaching 40degC as a very strong El Nino, or Super El Nino, is expected to develop towards the end of this year.

Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said the likelihood of the phenomenon occurring was now approaching 100 per cent, based on climate model forecasts from international observation and research centres, according to a report published by Berita Harian.

He said past meteorological records showed that very strong El Nino episodes were often associated with higher temperatures, dry weather and a serious risk of haze, sim...