KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 — The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) expects the Southwest Monsoon to start from May 19 and last until mid-September, causing a reduction in the rain cloud formation during the period.
Its director-general Jailan Simon said most locations throughout Malaysia would experience more days without rain and this would result in low rainfall distribution.
“During the Southwest Monsoon phase, the wind usually blows consistently from the southwest with lower air humidity and the atmosphere is more stable. This will cause a lack of rain cloud formation throughout the period.
“However, heavy rain with strong winds and lightning due to squall line phenomenon could still occur in the west coast of the peninsula and west Sabah in the early morning,” he said in a statement today.
A squall line is a line of thunderstorms that can last up to several hours.
Jailan said during the Southwest Monsoon phase, the haze phenomenon could occur if open burning is not controlled especially at the end of July until September.
Therefore, the public is reminded to avoid open burning activities to reduce the impact of haze and pollution and to use water sparingly during the period.
The latest weather information can be obtained through MetMalaysia’s website, myCuaca mobile application, social media and hotline at 1-300-22-1638.
— Bernama
