KUALA LUMPUR: The prolonged oppressive hot weather experienced in some parts of the country has been partly attributed to climate change. A weather expert said climate change will see the country experiencing extreme weather conditions. These are expected to peak between 2025 and 2050.

During this period, the country may experience heavy showers and storms which could lead to flash floods. On the other extreme, hot spells may result in long droughts.

The heat wave over the past few weeks has affected many, especially padi farmers in Kedah. Households in some parts of Johor saw dry taps over the Chinese New Year holidays. Dams nationwide have also reported a drop in water levels.

All 42 meteorological stations nationwide reported temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius. The highest temperature reading was 36.7 degrees Celsius at Chuping, Perlis.

The highest temperature ever recorded in the country was 40.1 degrees Celsius, also at Chuping, on April 9, 1998.

Di rector of the Water Resources Research Centre at the National Hydraulic Research Institute, Ahmad Jamalluddin Shaban, who spoke about the impact of climate change, also advised house or building owners and hospitals to conserve water by harvesting rainwater to water their plants, wash cars and flush toilets.

"People should find alternatives so as not to waste water." The institute carries out studies on the quantity of water nationwide.

Meanwhile, the Drainage and Irrigation Department said it was monitoring the water levels in rivers. "We will continue to monitor rivers during the dry spell," said a spokesman.

Severe heat waves have caused catastrophic crop failures worldwide, thousands of deaths from hyperthermia and widespread power outages due to increased use of airconditioning.

The Health Ministry said the current heat wave could pose health hazards, including death, if no precautions were taken.