Rainy days are here again for many states

PETALING JAYA: Rainy days will be the order of the day for many states this month.

According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, the north-east monsoon, which just started, is expected to last until March.

Heavy rainfall will occur comprehensively, especially in east coast states and in the west of Sarawak.

“Damp weather conditions with rainfall exceeding 500mm is expected in most places in Kelantan and Terengganu,” the department stated in a report uploaded on its website.

The interiors of the peninsula are expected to receive between 250mm and 350mm rainfall this month.

“Rainfall in the north of the peninsula is expected to be less than 300mm. Other places in the peninsula are expected to receive between 200mm and 250mm of rainfall,” the report stated.

On Sunday, department director-general Alui Bahari said the first three months of the monsoon would be the worst.

“If heavy rainfall, high tides and strong winds occur, it could cause rivers to overflow,” he was quoted as saying.

The situation could be worsened by spring tides that take place during the new and full moons.

While the east coast is typically the worst hit by floods during the rainy season, west coast residents should also be on alert.