Ready for floods and extreme heat? North-east monsoon begins Oct 27, MetMalaysia warns

MetMalaysia director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said between three and five episodes of continuous heavy rain were expected to affect the country during the initial phase of the monsoon, from November to January. — Bernama pic

First Published: Friday, 23 Oct 2026 6:16 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 — The 2026/2027 North-east Monsoon (MTL) is expected to begin on October 27 and continue until March next year, according to Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip.

He said between three and five episodes of continuous heavy rain were expected to affect the country during the initial phase of the monsoon, from November to January.

He said the situation could lead to flooding in low-lying areas and locations near rivers.

“Continuous strong north-easterly winds could also cause rough seas and rising sea levels in the South China Sea,” he said in a media statement today.

As the monsoon enters its final phase, from January to March 2027, Mohd Hisham said rainfall was expected to decrease, particularly in the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah.

He said the conditions would bring hot, dry weather, with the potential for more extreme heatwaves due to the ongoing Super El Niño phenomenon.

In this regard, he advised the public to remain prepared for weather conditions throughout the 2026/2027 North-east Monsoon and to stay alert to weather information, advisories, forecasts and warnings issued by MetMalaysia.

Official information is available via www.met.gov.my, the myCuaca mobile application, MetMalaysia’s official social media channels or its hotline at 1-300-22-1638. — Bernama