Monsoon transition to prolong bad weather until mid-May

 

Thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds — especially in the evenings and early nights — are expected to persist until mid-May. - NSTP/AIZUDDIN SAAD

KUALA LUMPUR: Thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds — especially in the evenings and early nights — are expected to persist until mid-May.

This is due to the ongoing monsoon transition phase, which began on 25 March, Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip told Kosmo!.

He said that during this period, winds are typically light and variable, encouraging the formation of severe weather in the evening or at night.

"Rainfall in the early morning over parts of the peninsula may also occur when there are changes in wind movement coming from the west."

Mohd Hisham said several main meteorological observation stations have recorded monthly rainfall amounts exceeding the average in recent days.

He said this involves areas in the Klang Valley and the east coast of the peninsula, while other areas remain at or below the monthly average.

Mohd Hisham added that the monsoon transition phase occurs twice a year — from the Northeast Monsoon to the Southwest Monsoon between March and May, and from the Southwest Monsoon to the Northeast Monsoon between September and November.

Several weeks ago, the Klang Valley, particularly Shah Alam in Selangor, experienced heavy rain and strong winds that triggered flash floods in the early morning.

The unstable weather conditions have persisted for nearly a month. - NST