Thunderstorms, heavy rain forecast in 7 states

MALAYSIA, 28 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued a short‑term warning at 8.45 a.m. on Tuesday, forecasting thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds across seven states, the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan, with the alert remaining in force until 1 p.m. local time.

In the central region, the alert covers most of Selangor, including the districts of Petaling, Klang, Hulu Langat, Sepang, Kuala Langat, Kuala Selangor, Gombak and Hulu Selangor, as well as the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. The southern region is also under the warning, with the entire states of Negeri Sembilan and Melaka, and the Johor districts of Pontian, Batu Pahat, Muar, Tangkak and Segamat listed as areas of severe weather.

Pahang is not exempt; the districts of Bera, Rompin and Bentong are included in the forecast. In East Malaysia, the alert spans a wide swathe of Sarawak divisions: Kapit (including Bukit Mabong, Kapit and Song), Sri Aman, Betong, Sarikei (Julau), Sibu (Kanowit and Selangau), Mukah, Bintulu (Tatau), Miri (Miri and Marudi) and Limbang. Sabah’s Pedalaman region – comprising Kuala Penyu, Beaufort, Sipitang and Membakut – is also subject to the warning, together with Labuan.

The department’s statement, released at 3.20 p.m. on the same day, extended the forecast to 7 p.m. on Sunday, 27 September, adding further states to the list. In the northern peninsula, Perak’s Hulu Perak district, Kelantan’s Kuala Krai, Jeli, Tanah Merah, Machang and Pasir Puteh, and Terengganu’s Besut, Setiu, Dungun, Kemaman, Marang and Hulu Terengganu are now under the alert.

Pahang’s Pekan, Rompin and Jerantut districts, together with Johor’s Kota Tinggi and Mersing, are also included.

The warning for Sarawak was broadened to cover Kapit, Betong, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu, Miri, Limbang, Samarahan, Serian, Kuching and Sri Aman (Lubok Antu). Sabah’s coverage now includes the West Coast districts of Ranau, Tuaran, Kota Kabah, Kota Belud, Penampang and Papar; the Interior districts of Keningau, Tambunan, Pensiangan, Sook, Tenom, Sipitang, Beaufort and Membakut; as well as Kudat (Kota Marudu) and Sandakan (Kinabatangan and Sandakan).

MetMalaysia’s criteria for issuing a thunderstorm warning require the detection of atmospheric conditions that indicate an imminent or expected thunderstorm with rainfall intensity above 20 mm per hour lasting more than one hour. The department’s alerts are designed to give the public, emergency services and local authorities sufficient lead time to implement safety measures, such as securing loose objects, avoiding low‑lying flood‑prone areas and preparing for possible power interruptions caused by strong winds.

The widespread nature of the warning, covering both peninsular and East Malaysian regions, reflects a large-scale weather system moving across the country. While the alert does not specify the exact cause, the simultaneous issuance of warnings for multiple, geographically dispersed districts suggests a broad trough of low pressure and associated convective activity.

The inclusion of both coastal and inland districts indicates that the system is expected to produce not only heavy rain but also gusty winds capable of affecting transportation and outdoor activities.

Local authorities in the affected districts have been instructed to monitor river levels and drainage systems closely, as the forecasted rainfall intensity can quickly overwhelm urban drainage and cause flash flooding. The warning also carries implications for traffic management, with the potential for road closures or delays on major highways that traverse the listed districts, particularly in Selangor, Johor and Sabah where heavy rain and strong winds can reduce visibility and create hazardous driving conditions.

Businesses operating in the affected zones are advised to review contingency plans, especially those reliant on logistics and supply chains that may be disrupted by road or port closures. The ports of Klang, Port Klang and the Labuan International Business and Financial Centre, all situated within the warning area, could experience temporary operational impacts if wind speeds reach the thresholds that affect cargo handling and vessel movements.

The public response to the warning has been immediate, with MetMalaysia urging residents to stay updated through official channels and to heed any further advisories from local councils. The department’s use of precise district names aims to minimise confusion and ensure that communities receive targeted information. Residents in the listed districts are also reminded to keep emergency kits ready, secure outdoor furniture, and avoid unnecessary travel during the peak hours of the forecast.

The alert’s expiration at 1 p.m. for the initial release, and at 7 p.m. for the later extension, does not preclude the possibility of further updates should the weather system persist or intensify. MetMalaysia retains the authority to issue additional warnings or to upgrade the current alert to a higher level if conditions deteriorate.

The department’s communication strategy, which includes real‑time updates via its website, mobile applications and broadcast media, is intended to keep the public informed throughout the event’s duration.

As the thunderstorm warning progresses, the focus will shift to post‑event assessments, including the evaluation of any flooding, wind damage or disruptions to essential services. The data collected during this period will feed into MetMalaysia’s ongoing efforts to refine its forecasting models and improve the accuracy of future warnings.

For now, the emphasis remains on public safety and preparedness as the heavy rain and strong winds sweep across the seven states, the Federal Territories and Labuan.

Related: Malaysian Meteorological Department · Malaysia