ALOR STAR: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a warning that most districts in the state are expected to experience evening thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rainfall.

Kedah MetMalaysia director Muhammad Khalil Abd Aziz said the dramatic change in the weather pattern was due to the onset of the Monsoon Transition Period which is expected to persist from late March until May.

He said the Monsoon Transition Period would also reappear around October until November.

"Throughout this period, the temperature is relatively lower compared to the second phase of the Northeast Monsoon season and weak winds blowing from various directions are likely to be experienced in many parts of the country.

"This situation presents ideal conditions for heavy thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rainfall to occur briefly, specifically during the evening until early in the night," he told the New Straits Times when contacted.

Khalil said the department could not specifically pinpoint which district would be most affected by the stormy weather.

He added that the weather pattern could potentially induce flash floods, landslides, water column disasters, uprooted trees, lightning bolts, water spouts, tornadoes and hail.

"All of the above may occur during this period which could potentially cause structural damages to infrastructure that are not resilient towards such incidents.

"Therefore, we advise the public to be vigilant, cautious and always take note of weather forecasts and warnings issued by MetMalaysia," he added.

Yesterday, over 25 houses were damaged in Yan and Pokok Sena after strong winds and heavy rainfall hit the two districts in the evening.

The incidents were reported in Kampung Tualang Bukit Besar, Yan, and Tualang, Pokok Sena which saw roof tiles being blown off by strong winds and other damages.

Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) Yan District officer Muhammad Zul Izzi Zulkifli said at least 25 houses in Kampung Tualang Bukit Besar suffered significant damage during the 5.30pm incident.

The thunderstorm also caused damage to several houses in Kampung Nawa and Kampung Kuan Buang in Tualang sub district, in Pokok Sena.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/893642/metmalaysia-warns-evening-thunderstorm-heavy-shower-kedah-until-may