Be prepared for a wet New Year

KUCHING: Isolated rain and isolated thunderstorms are forecasted across several areas of the state on New Year’s Day.

According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia), the weather forecast on its websites showed that there will be isolated rain over inland areas during the morning hours.

By afternoon, isolated thunderstorms over inland areas are expected and followed by isolated rain at night.

In Kuching district, the forecast includes isolated rain in the morning and night, with isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon.

Likewise, several other districts, including Asajaya, Bau, Beluru, Betong, Bintulu, Dalat, Daro, Kabong, Lundu, Marudi, Matu, Meradong, Mukah, Pusa, Saratok, Sarikei, Sebauh, Selangau, Serian, Sibu, Simunjan, Subis, Tanjung Manis, Tatau, and Telang Usan are expected to experience isolated rain in the morning and night, with isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon.

However, Belaga, Bukit Mabong, and Kapit districts are forecasted to have clear weather throughout the day without any rain.

Julau, Kanowit, Limbang, Lubok Antu, Pakan, Song, Sri Aman, and Tebedu districts might witness a dry morning, followed by isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon and isolated rain at night.

As for Lawas district, the area could experience a dry morning, followed by isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon and scattered rain at night.

Miri district is expected to have scattered rain in the morning and night, with isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon.

Samarahan district may see scattered rain in the morning, isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon, and isolated rain at night.

Meanwhile, Sarawakians, especially those residing in the flood-prone location in the west side of the state are reminded to be prepared as continuous rain is expected to persist until Jan 4.

METMalaysia director-general Muhammad Helmi Abdullah said the weather situation is based on the weather model analysis which expects wind concentration to occur in the southern peninsula and western areas of Sarawak starting Dec 30.

This condition may result in increased humidity that could potentially bring rain to these areas.

The country is currently in the Northeast Monsoon season which is expected to continue until March next year.

It brings heavy rain especially to the states on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, west of Sarawak and east of Sabah.