MetMalaysia warns of intense rainfall, lightning for Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, seven other states

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Malaysia's national meteorological agency, MetMalaysia, issued a severe thunderstorm warning on Tuesday afternoon for the Klang Valley and wide swaths of the country, cautioning residents to expect intense rainfall, strong winds, and lightning strikes until 6.00 pm.

The warning, released at 3.00 pm, places the federal capital and several Selangor districts — including Petaling, Gombak, Hulu Selangor, Kuala Selangor, and Sabak Bernam — on alert as conditions conducive to dangerous thunderstorms were either already developing or expected to intensify.

Residents in affected areas are advised to remain indoors where possible, secure loose outdoor items, and avoid open areas, elevated ground, and large trees during the storm period.

In the north of the peninsula, affected areas include the whole of Perlis, several Kedah districts — Kubang Pasu, Padang Terap, Sik, Baling, Kulim, and Bandar Baharu — Seberang Perai Selatan in Pulau Pinang, and nine districts across Perak stretching from Kerian in the north to Kampar in the south.

On the east coast, Kelantan's Jeli and Tanah Merah districts are included, along with four Terengganu districts — Hulu Terengganu, Marang, Dungun, and Kemaman — and three areas in Pahang. the Cameron Highlands, Lipis, and Kuantan.

The warning extends to East Malaysia, covering parts of Sarawak — including Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, and portions of Miri — as well as extensive areas of Sabah across the Pedalaman, Pantai Barat, Tawau, Sandakan, and Kudat divisions. WP Labuan is also included.

MetMalaysia defines a thunderstorm warning as applicable when signs indicate rainfall intensity exceeding 20 mm per hour is imminent or already occurring, and expected to persist for more than an hour.

Such warnings carry a validity window of up to six hours from the time of issuance.

The public is urged to monitor updates from MetMalaysia and take precautionary measures for the remainder of the afternoon.

المصدر: Malay Mail