Anticipated significant rainfall in Sarawak starting January 2024

KUCHING: Sarawak is set to witness significant rainfall in the initial weeks of January 2024, commencing from the western regions encompassing Kuching, Samarahan, and nearby areas, as highlighted by Khairul Najib Ibrahim, the Director of the Sarawak Meteorological Office.

Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) Sarawak director Khairul Najib Ibrahim noted that preliminary forecasts indicate that the anticipated average rainfall will surpass the typical amount for January.

“Expect a decrease in rainfall compared to the average starting next week, escalating the risk of water levels rising. In light of this, we encourage the public to stay vigilant about the prevailing conditions and access precise information from the official MetMalaysia website at www.met.gov.my,” he said.

He said this following his inspection of readiness measures against potential flooding from the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) at Dewan Sinaran, Kpg Sg Lumut, here, yesterday.

The term “significant rainfall” pertains to elevated precipitation levels that hold the potential to disrupt daily human activities.

Additionally, he noted there will be a moderation of these weather conditions towards the end of January in the western regions of Sarawak.

“We anticipate the weather pattern to shift northwards in Sarawak, encompassing areas such as Bintulu, Miri, Limbang, and others. Overall, for Sarawak, this weather trend may persist until February,” he explained.

Addressing queries from reporters, he clarified that inclement weather in Sabah, Lawas and adjacent areas might be influenced by daily fluctuations in rainfall.

“The occurrences there involve daily variations, although the probability is lower than usual. Generally, it initiates in western Sarawak,” he added.