KUCHING: Fishermen are advised to be extra careful whenever they go out to sea as there are strong winds and rough seas during the prevailing northeast monsoon season.
Sarawak Meteorological Department director Ambun Dindang said that northeast monsoon had started on Nov 11 and is expected to continue until March next year.
“Therefore, during this season it is very dangerous to the small boats,” he told New Sarawak Tribune when contacted today.
Isolated thunderstorms with shower over most part of Sarawak in the late evening and will last until night over interior parts of Sarawak is expected until the weekend, he added.
“As in the morning, rain is expected over the coastal area of Sarawak due to the changes in wind pattern,” he said.
Based on the current data analysis and latest satellite images, the department does not expect widespread continuous rain to occur in Sarawak in the next few days even though the northeast monsoon season has started, he pointed out.
“However, isolated intermittent rain is still possible to occur over the state,” he said.
He said should there be any warnings on continuous rain or on weather updates, it will be updated and published through the Malaysian Meteorological Department at www.met.gov.my or through its mobile application at myCuaca 2.0.
Based on the department’s definition on continuous heavy rain, it means that rain occurs or expected to happen exceeding six hours with total amount of rain at least 60mm.
On the current wet season, he said residents who live in the flood prone areas especially along the river banks, near the coast and low lying areas are advised to always be alert on the current weather conditions.
“The occurrences of high tide if coinciding with continuous heavy rain might worsen the flood situation,” he pointed out.
He said the public should also give priority to personal safety and follow the instructions of the local authorities if they were asked to evacuate.
“Parents are also advised to monitor the movements of their children and ensure to bring along important documents,” said Ambun.
