From Forecast To Action: Smart Weather Technology Strengthens MTL Preparedness

By Noraizura Ahmad

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- The increasingly accurate weather forecasting capabilities enabled by the use of artificial intelligence (AI), satellite data and weather radar by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) now play a crucial role in translating early warnings into rapid action on the ground.

MetMalaysia director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said these capabilities have strengthened operational planning among rescue agencies and enhanced community preparedness, particularly in areas prone to flooding and landslides during the Northeast Monsoon (MTL), which began last November and is expected to continue until March.

He said that during this period, between five and seven episodes of continuous heavy rainfall are forecast.

According to him, the integration of radar and satellite data allows for near real-time detection of weather systems such as storms and heavy rainfall, which are then analysed using AI technology to generate short-term forecasts, or nowcasting, of up to three hours ahead.

“This forecasting method achieves an accuracy rate of more than 90 per cent, surpassing conventional methods. Further improvements in accuracy for longer forecast periods will be implemented under the weather system enhancement project, which is currently in the procurement phase,” he told Bernama recently.

He added that MetMalaysia has also introduced strategic innovations through the development of a new smart weather forecasting system, including more accurate warning lead times and an extension of the operational forecast period from seven to 14 days to provide earlier alerts on severe weather events.

In addition, he said, MetMalaysia operates a high-resolution forecasting model with a resolution of up to 333 metres in major urban areas vulnerable to flash floods, such as the Klang Valley, Johor Bahru and George Town, enabling more detailed and localised rainfall predictions.

Mohd Hisham said a multi-model ensemble approach is also employed to identify forecast uncertainties and enhance accuracy and consistency, while AI technology is used to generate extreme weather probability forecasts to support risk assessment and more effective decision-making.

“This innovation is supported by a comprehensive early warning system, which includes a nationwide observation network comprising weather radars, satellites, upper-air stations and surface stations, as well as data processing using High Performance Computing (HPC) through numerical weather forecast modelling,” he said.

He said heavy rain and flood warnings are issued by MetMalaysia operations officers on duty around the clock whenever adverse weather conditions are expected in a particular area, through various official communication channels.

The public can obtain further information and advice via the official MetMalaysia website at www.met.gov.my, the myCuaca mobile application, MetMalaysia’s official social media platforms, or by contacting the hotline at 1-300-22-1638.

More accurate forecasts and early warning information also form a key basis for operational planning by the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) in managing disaster risks throughout the monsoon season.

According to its director-general, Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad, the department’s MTL preparedness plan has been fully activated at all operational levels, with risk assessments conducted based on weather forecast data, historical incident records and analyses of flood- and landslide-prone hotspots.

“Early weather warning information is a critical element in JBPM’s operational planning, as it allows for the rescheduling of personnel deployments, activation of support teams and strategic positioning of assets, particularly in high-risk urban areas,” he said.

He added that JBPM has also implemented the early deployment of personnel and assets to ensure optimal response times, including the mobilisation of Rapid Response Teams, the establishment of Forward Operating Bases, and the activation of Regional Forward Bases in the northern, eastern and southern zones of the country.

To further strengthen its preparedness for the MTL, Nor Hisham said JBPM has mobilised 983 land and marine assets, comprising 417 light transport vehicles, 119 heavy transport vehicles, 431 rescue boats, 16 marine search and rescue (SAR) boats, as well as the utilisation of 150 community distribution boats.

On community safety, Nor Hisham advised residents in flood- and landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant, heed weather warnings and evacuation orders issued by authorities, and act promptly to avoid untoward incidents.

“Among the common mistakes are driving or wading through floodwaters without knowing the depth or current, refusing to evacuate despite instructions, allowing children to play in flooded areas, and spreading false information that can cause public panic,” he said.

-- BERNAMA