Warning of monsoon flood risk from Oct 27 to year-end

 MetMalaysia says rainfall will decrease during the monsoon’s final phase, from January to March 2027, raising the risk of heatwaves.

MetMalaysia director-general Hisham Anip said continuous strong northeasterly winds could also cause rough seas and rising sea levels in South China Sea.

KUALA LUMPUR:

The 2026/2027 northeast monsoon is expected to begin on Oct 27 and continue until March next year.

Malaysian meteorological department (MetMalaysia) director-general Hisham Anip said that between three and five episodes of continuous heavy rain are expected to affect the country during the initial phase of the monsoon, from November to January.

The situation could lead to flooding in low-lying areas near rivers.

“Continuous strong northeasterly winds could also cause rough seas and rising sea levels in the South China Sea,” he said in a statement.

As the monsoon enters its final phase, from January to March 2027, Hisham said rainfall is expected to decrease, particularly in the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah.

He said the conditions would bring hot, dry weather, with the potential for more extreme heatwaves due to the ongoing Super El Niño phenomenon.

In this regard, he advised the public to remain prepared for weather conditions throughout the northeast monsoon, and to stay alert to weather information, advisories, forecasts and warnings issued by MetMalaysia.

Official information is available via www.met.gov.my, the myCuaca mobile app, MetMalaysia’s official social media channels or its hotline at 1-300-22-1638. - FMT