KUALA LUMPUR: There could be between five and seven episodes of heavy rainfall during the upcoming northeast monsoon, which is expected to start on Nov 5 and will continue until March 2025, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).
The northeast monsoon is commonly referred to as the monsoon season in Malaysia.
During the initial phase of the northeast monsoon from November to December 2024, heavy rain episodes are expected in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, Sarawak and Sabah, said MetMalaysia director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip.
From January to February 2025, the states most likely to experience heavy rainfall include Pahang, Johor, Sarawak and Sabah, he added.
However, Mohd Hisham cautioned that if the prevailing monsoon is particularly strong and coincides with a low-pressure weather system, other states may also experience periods of heavy rain.
“Continuous heavy rainfall over several days could lead to flooding in low-lying areas and near the river.
“If persistent heavy rain coincides with high tides and storm surges, the risk of flooding could escalate significantly,” he said in a statement yesterday, Bernama reported.
Additionally, Mohd Hisham noted that sustained and strong northeasterly winds may result in rough seas, increased sea levels and large waves in the waters of the South China Sea.
“Approaching the tail end of the northeast monsoon, from January to March 2025, the northern regions of the peninsula are expected to experience less rainfall. This situation could lead to hot and dry weather, with the potential for heatwaves,” he said.
However, he added that weather conditions are expected to be less severe than in 2024, as the La Nina phenomenon is expected to persist from the end of this year until mid-2025.
In the meantime, he urged the public to prepare for the monsoon season and to stay informed through information, forecasts and weather alerts issued by MetMalaysia.
This information can be accessed via its official website at https://www.met.gov.my, myCuaca app and its official social media accounts. The public can also contact its hotline at 1300 221 638.
