Malaysia’s weather agency warns north-east monsoon to begin early

Malaysia’s Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia) on Thursday said the north-east monsoon will hit the country from next week, just days after campaigning kicks off for the general election.

The monsoon will begin on 7 November and is expected to last until March 2023, the department said.

Previously, the monsoon was forecast to begin in mid-November. Malaysia’s 15th general election will be held on 19 November.

As with previous monsoon seasons, continuous heavy rain for even a few days has been known to cause floods in low-lying areas and areas next to rivers.

‘If the heavy rain and the high tide phenomenon take place at the same time, there will be higher risk of floods,’ said MET Malaysia.

The high tide phenomenon is expected to take place from 6 to 11 November, 22 to 27 November, 7 to 12 December, 22 to 26 December, 6 to 10 January and 21 to 25 January.

During the north-east monsoon, north-easterly winds are expected to blow continuously, bringing about rough seas and big waves in the South China Sea.

For more information, go to www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-s-weather-agency-warns-north-east-monsoon-to-begin-next-week