KUALA LUMPUR: Large-scale floods caused by continuous heavy rain are expected in the country from mid-November, said the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).
Its director-general, Muhammad Helmi Abdullah, told NSTP that the northeast monsoon during the period would bring continuous heavy rain that could lead to major floods.
He said the La Nina phenomenon would intensify such weather that would last until early next year.
Scattered thunderstorms will bring strong wind, heavy rain and flash floods in October.
"If the general election is held at the beginning of November, the possibility of it meeting major floods is low. Major floods are expected in mid-November to the end of November.
"If GE15 is in December, the possibility of it facing continuous heavy rains and major floods is high due to the northeast monsoon," he said.
He said the monsoon transition phase usually started at the end of September and lasts until the beginning of November.
"Throughout this period, the weather is usually good in the morning around the country, with thunderstorms often occurring from the afternoon to evening, particularly on the west coast, in the interior of the peninsula, west and central Sarawak, and west Sabah.
"Flash floods are highly likely in low-lying areas on the west coast of the peninsula," he said.
Helmi said the northeast monsoon usually started in mid-November.
"It occurs between November and December, marked by more humid weather, especially in the east coast states, west Sarawak and east Sabah.
"Rains usually happen in the morning in these states, followed by thunderstorms in the east coast, interior of Sarawak and east Sabah."
On the current spell of frequent rains and thunderstorms, he said this was due to the weak southwest monsoon.