Thunderstorms expected throughout inter-monsoon season

 

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) government agency has forecast thunderstorms and heavy rain during the inter-monsoon period starting from end-September until approximately end-October.

MetMalaysia director-general Muhammad Helmi Abdullah said this is due to the unstable atmosphere, which increases convective activity and will bring more rain.

Hotspots include the east coast states of the Peninsula, as well as the west of Sarawak and Sabah in the afternoons and late evenings.

“The expected total rainfall in east coast states during the monsoon transition phase in October is between 200 and 400mm,” he told Bernama.

MetMalaysia also expects four to six episodes of heavy rains to occur during the northeast monsoon season from early November till March.

Helmi said throughout the northeast monsoon season, the east coast states are expected to receive slightly above average rainfall in November and December while other states are expected to receive average rainfall.

He said the monsoon season is expected to bring more rain to Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang in November and December, while Johor, Sabah, and Sarawak will experience more rainfall from December to January.

“In November, the estimated total rainfall is expected to exceed 600mm in Kelantan and Terengganu, while for Pahang it will be between 200 and 400mm.

“In December, Kelantan and Terengganu are expected to receive more than 600mm of rain, while Pahang is expected to receive between 300 and 600mm,” he added.

Helmi also advised residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to be on the alert during downpours and to always obtain the latest weather information through the MetMalaysia website and social media channels, or via its hotline 1-300-22-1638 as well as the myCuaca app.

“The public is also advised to keep their vital documents in a safe and accessible place and be ready to evacuate to relief shelters if necessary,” he said.

- Bernama