POKOK SENA: The El Nino phenomenon has transformed Kedah, particularly Pokok Sena, into an oven, with the district's temperature peaking at nearly 40°C.
Despite the heat, residents remain resilient, adapting to the circumstances.
In Kampung Bendang Baru, padi farmers celebrated the tradition of flying wau during the dry season, finding joy amid the heat.
Padi farmer Kow Yong Lee, 62, said the tradition of flying wau during the dry spell was ingrained in the farming community.
"When the dry season arrives and the padi fields are harvested, the fields are empty for a couple of months. There is plenty of space and time to do other activities.
"There's also a bit more wind at this time, so flying kites is much more fun," said Kow at the Kampung Bendang Baru Wau Flying Competition here today.
Accustomed to working in the heat for about 30 years, he said he was undeterred by the rising temperatures in Pokok Sena.
However, padi farmer Azhari Abdullah, 58, who's taking part in the competition, said the heatwave had affected padi farming in the state.
"I don't work in the fields from 10am to 7pm. It's dangerous.
"Thankfully, we can work at night."
Azhari, who travelled from Alor Star to take part in the competition, said he finds flying wau in this heat worth it.
He said the competition fostered a community spirit among padi farmers during the challenging season.
"Kite flying is a cherished tradition among padi farmers. Not even the rising temperatures will deter us," said Azhari, who has been flying wau for more than four decades.
Another participant, Mohd Fikri Mohd Khamis, 28, from Kampung Paya, said the sweltering heat had been challenging, particularly affecting his sleep, which forced him to rely on air-conditioning.
"The heat is unbearable, I think this is the worse dry season I have experienced. Sleeping during the day is impossible," said Fikri, who works at a factory in Penang.
However, the heat is a blessing for coconut supplier and drinks trader Hilman Abd Razak, 29.
He said demand for coconut-based traditional remedies had surged, driven by the spike in fever cases due to the heat, which doubled his sales since January.
"During normal times, I sell about 40 bags of coconut drinks a day and 150 to 200 coconuts each week.
"But now it's close to 100 bags a day. I've also been selling more than 300 coconuts each week. I can definitely see the link," said Hilman, who sells a coconut drink for RM5.
Yesterday, the National Security Council issued a level 2 heatwave warning for Pokok Sena, with temperatures expected to hit 40°C today.
Six other districts — Kubang Pasu, Padang Terap, Sik, Baling, Pendang, Kota Star and Langkawi — received a Level 1 alert, with temperatures expected to hit 37°C.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department said the El Nino dry and hot spell was expected to last until early April.