Lower rainfall until September, public cautioned against open burning, haze: MetMalaysia

Despite dry weather, heavy rain with strong winds can still occur on peninsula's west coast, northern Sarawak, west of Sabah

The Meteorological Department warns that, while dry weather is expected to dominate, storms may still occur in some areas, lasting several hours. – Scoop pic, May 14, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysians can expect drier weather when the southwest monsoon starts from Friday (May 17) until September, as the winds bring lower humidity, resulting in less rain cloud formation and lower rainfall.

With lower rainfall, the public is advised against open burning as it could lead to haze, especially between July and September, said Meteorological Department director-general Muhammad Helmi Abdullah.

He also cautioned the public against high water usage during this period.

Despite the dry weather, he added that heavy rain with strong winds and lightning can still occur on the peninsula’s west coast, northern Sarawak and west of Sabah, especially in the early morning. 

Such storms will be due to the “squall line phenomenon”, which points to a concentration of winds in some areas that can last for several hours. – May 14, 2024