Monsoon season arriving sooner than expected on Nov 7

The Northeast Monsoon season will start next week on Nov 7, which the Meteorology Department said is earlier than expected. This is expected to last until March next year.

“There are potentially four to six episodes of monsoon surges that will bring continuous heavy rains throughout this period.

“As with previous seasons, several days of continuous heavy rains will cause floods in low-lying regions and near rivers,” it said in a statement today.

The department warned that when such rains coincide with large tidal surges, the risk of flooding will be increased.

The tides are predicted to occur on:

• Nov 6 to Nov 11, and Nov 22 to Nov 27

• Dec 7 to 12, and Dec 22 to 26

• Jan 6 to 10, and Jan 21 to 25 next year.

Further, the department warned of strong winds and heavy waves in the South China Sea.

The warning comes as Malaysia prepares to head for the polls, and several places in Kedah, Johor, Malacca, Pahang, and Kelantan have already been hit by floods during the current monsoon transition period.

Previously, the monsoon is only expected to arrive in mid-November.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong had expressed hope last month that the election could be held before the monsoon season arrives.

The nomination day for the 15th general election is this Saturday.

Advance polling will take place on Nov 15, while polling day falls on Nov 19.

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