1.3  SOLAR RADIATION

Most places in Malaysia recorded normal solar radiation during this period. In Figure 5 shown below, most places in Malaysia had 17 to 20  MJm^-2 daily solar radiations per day. The lowest values of solar radiation were recorded over the highland area of Pahang and some places in southern Johore, which showed below 13  MJm^-2  per day. Northern Kelantan experienced solar radiation of 20.4  MJm^-2 ,  the highest values recorded in this decade.

1.4  TEMPERATURE

Overall, most of the lowland areas in Malaysia recorded normal to much above normal temperature during this period except for Subang that showed very much above normal. However, Kuala Krai, Miri, Kudat, Tawau and Sandakan had below normal temperature while Kuala Terengganu had very much below normal temperature. Daily mean temperatures were between 25.4 dan 28.5ºC. The highest temperature recorded during this period was 35.5ºC being reported at Haiwan Machang, Kelantan. On the other hand, the lowest temperature of 19.4ºC was recorded at Kemaman, Terengganu. The mean daily temperature recorded at Cameron Highlands was 17.6ºC with the highest and lowest values of 23.3ºC and 13.9ºC respectively. The average temperature for this area was above normal for this period.

Fig. 6 : Deviation from normal of mean temperature (°C) at 29 Principal Meteorological  Stations in Malaysia

[ TABLE 1] [ TABLE 2a] [ TABLE 2b] [ TABLE 2c] [ CROPS ]

2.  SOIL MOISTURE DISTRIBUTION 

The Soil Moisture Distribution Map in Figure 7 displays the daily distribution of soil moisture in Malaysia on 20th August 2008.  In general, Malaysia experienced very wet condition (> 30%) with most places in Peninsular Malaysia had soil moisture content of the day ranging from 80% to 100% except for western states (Selangor & Negeri Sembilan) which had 60% to 70% of soil moisture content of the day. Over East Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah had 80% to 100% of soil moisture content with tips of northern Sabah showed 60% to 70% of soil moisture content during this decade.

The soil moisture shown in the map is indicative values of the amounts of water in the top 1m depth of a horizontal soil. They are estimated daily by the water budgeting/balance method. Daily rainfall amounts are used as inputs to the soil water content. The daily evapotranspiration rates are estimated by using the modified Penman-Monteith formula which needs as inputs daily mean values of temperature, humidity, solar radiation and wind speed. These meteorological variables together with rainfall are those measured at principal meteorological stations of the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MMD) located throughout the country. A few stations that are manned by non-MMD staff are also included to improve the spatial coverage. At the non-MMD staffed stations, solar radiation is usually not measured and sunshine duration is used to estimate the value of solar radiation by applying the Angstrom Equation. The ArcView software is employed to perform spatial analysis.

The holding capacity of the soil is assumed to be 30 cm out of the 1 m depth of soil. The field capacity and wilting point are assumed to have the values 0.3 and 0.1 respectively. For interpreting these maps, please refer to the following table:  

3.  WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR THE COMING DECADE ( 1^st – 10^th September 2008)

Based on the map in Figure 8, precipitations over Malaysia during the first decade of September climatologically have no significant changes with the previous decade. Most places in Peninsular and East Malaysia are shown to have rainfall ranging from 30 to 80 mm.  However, northeastern part of Peninsular together with whole of Sarawak and few areas of west of Sabah will experience more precipitation ranged between 70 to 150 mm of rainfall.  

For the outlook of the next 10-day, during the first week of September 2008, East Malaysia is generally wetter than the peninsula with expected amount of rainfall over Sabah and Sarawak ranging from 60 to 110 mm. Meanwhile, Peninsular Malaysia will have rainfall amount between 40 to 80mm throughout the week.

Figure 8 : Rainfall (mm) for the Period 1^st – 10^th September 2008

Based on Long-term Climatologically Records

4. EXPECTED WEATHER IMPACT ON AGRICULTURE DURING THE COMING DECADE DECADE (1^st –10^th September 2008) 

Generally, most places in Malaysia will  be expected to have rainfall amount of between 40 to 100 mm. This amount of rainfall will be more than enough and would favour agricultural activities that require good amount of rainfall.  However, for those areas, which had continuous moisture, saturated soil conditions due to the wet period would have lowered crop performance.

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