SHAH ALAM, Nov 28 — The rare formation of tropical storm Senyar in the Strait of Malacca reflects how climate change and warmer seas are increasing the likelihood of storms developing closer to coastlines.
According to the Selangor Climate Action Council’s (SCAC) chief executive officer Daniel Lee, changing atmospheric conditions, coupled with rising sea surface temperatures, are creating an environment in which tropical storms can intensify more rapidly and occur in unusual locations.
“With climate change, atmospheric conditions are altered and combined with warmer seas, tropical storms growing into tropical cyclones are expected to be more frequent,” he told Media Selangor when contacted.
Yesterday, the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued a warning for tropical storm Senyar, which has been detected north of Sumatra and is located about 102km southwest of Lumut, Perak.
As of yesterday evening, the storm reached maximum wind speeds of 50kph, with more than 200mm of rain expected over 24 hours.
“This was likely what we witnessed with tropical storm Senyar, which developed within the narrow confines of the Strait of Malacca, which is something unprecedented in our history,” said Lee.
He warned that such storms can bring more intense and prolonged rainfall to the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, increasing the risk of flash floods, coastal flooding, river overflows, and landslides.
Lee added that strong winds and rough seas are also expected during such weather events. Meanwhile, Selangor is affected as the state is within the potential impact zone.
Citing MetMalaysia, he said Senyar is expected to bring continuous heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas across Peninsular Malaysia, especially the western and central states, from today to Saturday (November 29).
During a press conference yesterday, MetMalaysia director-general Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said Selangor, Perak, and parts of Pahang are facing or will face the effects of tropical storm Senyar from today to Sunday (November 30).
“The public should stay alert to updates from official channels, especially MetMalaysia and the Selangor Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS Selangor).
“The public is advised to constantly be aware of new updates from official channels, especially from MetMalaysia and JPS Selangor,” he said.
Tropical storm Senyar is the first recorded storm of its kind to develop in the Strait of Malacca, reflecting growing concerns about how the climate crisis is reshaping weather patterns in the region.
