Meteorological officer Mohd Noor’Arifin Awang Yussof delivers a speech. - Photo: Borneo Bulletin/ANN
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The northeast monsoon – which started on Nov 18 – is expected to persist until the end of March 2026, said Meteorological officer Mohd Noor’Arifin Awang Yussof during the 26th National Weather Briefing at the Auditorium Hall of the Information Department on Thursday (Dec 4).
During the first two months of northeast monsoon (December 2025 and January 2026), also known as the rainy season, the country usually records a high amount of rainfall with high number of rain days compared to other months.
During this period, weather conditions are unstable, with occasional heavy showers or thunderstorms occurring particularly at night until early morning.
In the second half of the northeast monsoon (February and March 2026), atmospheric condition tends to become more stable with reduced rainfall activity.
Meanwhile, throughout the inter-monsoon period (April to May 2026), the country normally experiences fair weather in the morning and isolated coastal showers around midday.
The occurrence of thunderstorms is high during this inter-monsoon period compared to other months, especially over the inland areas in the afternoon, spreading to the coastal and sea areas at night, and sometimes persisting into the early morning of the following day.
Based on forecast models from international climate centers, the ongoing La Niña phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean is expected to persist, with a transition to ENSO-neutral likely to occur between January and March 2026 (61 per cent chance).
Generally, one of the impacts of La Niña on Brunei Darussalam is wetter than-usual conditions, with an increase in total rainfall compared to the average amount.
Conducted by the Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department (BDMD), Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, the briefing was attended by 114 representatives from government agencies, the private sector and the general public.
It aimed to increase the understanding and awareness of various user groups and the general public regarding the current weather conditions of Brunei Darussalam.
The briefing will also be able to facilitate the preparedness of user groups and the public in planning and taking preliminary actions in the event of any weather condition.
BDMD reassured that it will continue to monitor the weather conditions and issue weather advisories or warnings if necessary. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
