AS the extremely hot weather condition is expected to continue until September this year due to hot spells during the monsoon season, the effective water capacity especially in Air Itam Dam has taken a critical dip.
A check by Buletin Mutiara at the popular recreational area in Air Itam Dam today (May 31) showed that the water capacity for the Air Itam Dam is now at 26.5%, Mengkuang Dam at 91.4% and Teluk Bahang Dam at 57.9%.
The water level at all the dams has shown a further decline due to the prolonged dry and hot weather.
When met, a hiker who wished to be known as Tan, said that the water capacity in Air Itam Dam has gone down compared to before.
“Although it has rained (recently) at the Air Itam township, the rain was not heavy near the dam,” he said.
The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) was quoted recently that a cloud seeding exercise was needed because the water level in Air Itam Dam has dropped.
It was reported that the country was experiencing the southwest monsoon, which resulted in a hot and dry climate according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).
During this time, the winds would blow constantly from the southwest with lower air humidity and stable atmospheric conditions.
Story and pix by Edmund Lee