MetMalaysia alert: Be cautious as monsoon season changes

PETALING JAYA: The Meteorology Department has advised members of the public to stay away from open spaces and unstable structures during the changing phase of the monsoon season, expected from this Thursday (Sept 24) to early November.

Flashfloods could potentially cause damage to unstable structures, it noted.

It also warned the public against touching metal objects or electric cables during thunderstorms.

"During the changing phase of the monsoon, thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds could be expected in short durations, especially during the evening and early night in the west coast states and inland, west Sabah, as well as west and central Sarawak," it said in a statement Tuesday (Sept 22).

Thunderstorms would contribute to a high volume of monthly rainwater in west coast states, potentially causing flashfloods, it added.

During the early phase of monsoon change, as the southwest monsoon season comes to an end, clear skies could be expected in the morning and thunderstorms in the evening, said MetMalaysia.