Light rain brings relief to Sabah after a two-month-long heatwave

KOTA KINABALU: After enduring scorching heat for about two months, Sabah is finally seeing light rain in several parts of the state.

Light precipitation from three-day cloud seedings over Papar, Lahad Datu and Tawau were reported over the past few days, whereas areas like Sandakan, Nabawan, Penampang and around the city were also felt.

The state Meteorological Department reported a 67% success rate from the cloud seeding initiative.

Meteorologists are forecasting the current dry spell to lift with the setting in of the inter monsoons in April.

Sabah Meteorological Department director Amirzudi Hashim said this inter-monsoon which starts now is expected to continue until May.

“During this season, the country will receive weak winds from various conducive directions, resulting in thunderstorms, heavy rains and strong winds that only last a short while,” he said in a statement on Monday (April 1).

He said these conditions often occur in the evening or early night time in the West and interior parts of Peninsular Malaysia, West coast Sabah, as well as South and central Sarawak.

Amirzudi warned the public of flash floods, fallen trees and destruction of unstable structures during this kind of weather.

“The hot and dry spells are forecasted to slowly improve by mid-April,” he said, adding that the public should start to be more alert to the change in weather patterns.

He advised them to keep themselves updated with the latest weather forecasts and to take appropriate measures.

“You can surf the official Malaysia Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) website, or log into the myCuaca mobile application and other official social media platforms for more information,” Amirzudi said.

The public can also contact the department’s hotline at 1-300-22-1638 for enquiries, he added.