Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a weather warning for thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds across most states, effective until 6 pm today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the advisory highlighted that the entire state of Perlis and several districts in Kedah, including Langkawi, Kubang Pasu, Padang Terap, Sik, Baling, Kulim, and Bandar Baharu, are expected to experience severe weather conditions. Parts of Penang, such as Seberang Perai Utara, Tengah, and Selatan, are also under threat.

The forecast extends similar conditions to Perak in districts like Kerian, Larut, Matang, Selama, Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar, Kinta, Kampar, Batang Padang, and Muallim. In Selangor, areas including Hulu Selangor and Gombak have been warned, along with Johor’s Mersing and Kota Tinggi.

The warning further encompasses all of Terengganu and Pahang, with selected districts in Kelantan like Machang, Pasir Puteh, Kuala Krai, and Gua Musang also on alert. In East Malaysia, thunderstorms are expected in Sarawak’s Limbang and in the Interior and West Coast areas of Sabah, including Sipitang, Tenom, Beaufort, Tambunan, Tuaran, Ranau, and Kota Belud.

MetMalaysia issues short-term thunderstorm warnings when rainfall intensity exceeds 20 millimetres per hour, either occurring or anticipated to continue for over an hour. ‘These thunderstorm warnings are short-term alerts and valid for no longer than six hours,’ the department stated.

Additionally, MetMalaysia announced a Tsunami Early Warning System test scheduled for tomorrow at Masjid Daerah Timur Laut (floating mosque) in Tanjung Bungah, Penang, from 9 am to noon. Residents in the area are advised not to be alarmed by the siren sound, as it is part of a scheduled test. Further updates will be provided by MetMalaysia if there are any changes.