North-east monsoon to hit Malaysia starting this weekend
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Heavy storms are expected in the early stages of the annual monsoon, mostly in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor (above) and west Sarawak.
PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
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PETALING JAYA – Several heavy storms are expected in Malaysia with the north-east monsoon 2023/2024, which is set to begin on Saturday and last until March 2024.
Heavy storms are expected in the early stages of the annual monsoon, mostly in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor and west Sarawak.
“However, if the monsoon has a strong impact, with low pressure weather systems, continuous downpours can be expected in other states in the country,” said the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) in a statement on Tuesday.
It said the downpour could bring flash floods to low-lying areas and areas which floods frequently.
“If the downpour happens simultaneously with a high tide and storm, the effects of the floods could be extreme. Furthermore, strong and continuous winds from the north-east monsoon can create sea storms with high risk of increase in sea levels and waves in the South China Sea.”
MetMalaysia said in the last phase of the monsoon, which is from February to March 2024, less rainfall is expected in the north of the Peninsular (Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu), Sabah, Labuan and north Sarawak.
“Hot and dry weather is expected to begin in March 2024, with potential to bring in heatwaves.
“This is due to the El Nino which is expected to continue until mid-2024 and the positive Indian Ocean Dipole until the first quarter of 2024,” it said.
The department urged people to be prepared to face the monsoon and be vigilant to the information, advice, forecast and warnings from MetMalaysia through official sources and its webpage at www.met.gov.my or myCuaca mobile app. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
