Weather and climate
Weather is the condition of the atmosphere at a place over a short time, such as a day. Climate is the average weather of a place over a long period, usually 30 years or more. Malaysia has an equatorial climate because it lies close to the equator.
Features of Malaysia's climate
- High temperature all year — average about 27°C, with only a small range between months.
- Heavy rainfall — roughly 2 000–2 500 mm a year, often as afternoon convectional rain.
- High humidity — the air is very moist, usually above 80%.
- No four seasons — the year is hot and wet throughout.
Key idea
Weather = short-term atmospheric conditions. Climate = the long-term average weather. Malaysia's equatorial climate is uniformly hot, wet and humid.
The monsoons
Malaysia's rainfall pattern is controlled by monsoon winds that change direction with the seasons.
- Northeast Monsoon (about November–March) brings heavy rain to the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak, sometimes causing floods.
- Southwest Monsoon (about May–September) is generally drier for most areas.
Example
During the Northeast Monsoon, Kelantan and Terengganu on the east coast often suffer flooding from days of continuous heavy rain.
Local factors also change the weather. Highland areas such as Cameron Highlands are cooler because temperature falls as altitude rises. Coastal areas enjoy sea and land breezes that make the air more comfortable.
Remember
- Weather is short-term; climate is long-term.
- Northeast Monsoon = wet east coast; Southwest Monsoon = drier.
- Higher altitude means cooler temperatures.