KUCHING: The Northeast Monsoon (MTL) season is set to begin on Nov 11 and will continue until March 2024, posing a risk of heavy rain and flooding in several regions.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia) issued a statement highlighting that during the early phase of MTL, heavy rain episodes are expected in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, and the western part of Sarawak until January 2024.
“However, if the monsoon surge is strong and coincides with the presence of a low-pressure weather system, continuous heavy rain can occur in other states in Malaysia.
“Continuous heavy rain over several days can lead to flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas,” it said.
It then added that if continuous heavy rain coincides with high tides and storm surges, the risk of extreme flooding can increase.
“Furthermore, continuous and strong northeast winds can cause rough seas, a risk of rising sea levels, and large waves in the South China Sea.
“Meanwhile, in the late phase of MTL from February to March 2024, it is expected that the northern regions of the Peninsular Malaysia (Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu), Sabah, Labuan, and northern Sarawak will experience less rain.
“The anticipated hot and dry weather conditions starting in March 2024 have the potential to lead to heatwaves. This situation is due to the expected continuation of El Niño until mid-2024 and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) expected to persist until the first quarter of 2024,” it added.
MET Malaysia stated that the public are advised to be prepared for the monsoon season and stay alert to information, advice, weather forecasts, and warnings issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia) through its official distribution channels, including the website www.met.gov.my, the myCuaca mobile app, and MET Malaysia’s official social media accounts.
For further enquiries, MET Malaysia’s hotline is 1-300-22-1638.
