By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, May 14 — The Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has warned Malaysians to expect drier conditions throughout the country over the next few months due to the approaching southwest monsoon.
In a statement, MetMalaysia director-general Muhammad Helmi Abdullah said the seasonal wind pattern is expected to begin on May 17 and persist until September.
As a result, most areas will witness fewer days of rain, although certain locations, including the peninsula's west coast, may be subject to occasions of heavy downpours associated with squalls.
“During the southwest monsoon, winds typically blow consistently from the southwest direction, with lower humidity and more stable atmospheric conditions,” he said today.
“This seasonal shift is expected to result in reduced cloud formation and lower rainfall distribution. As a consequence, most regions across the country are likely to experience more dry days compared to rainy ones.
“However, heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms due to the squall line phenomenon can still occur on the west coast of the peninsular, northern Sarawak and western Sabah, especially in the early morning.
A squall line is a line of thunderstorms that forms due to wind convergence and can persist for several hours.
Helmi also warned of potential haze in the event of rampant open burning, particularly from July to September.
“As such, open burning should be avoided to reduce the effects of haze and environmental pollution.”
Helmi urged the public to use water more prudently during this period.
Those who want to obtain the latest weather information can do so through MetMalaysia’s website and official social media platforms, the myCuaca mobile application, or via the department’s hotline at at 1300-22-1638.
