THE smoke enveloping the country is expected to improve as the monsoon transition phase begins on September 24, said the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).

Director-general Jailan Simon said during the phase, regions will experience low-speed wind from various directions, which poses a potential for the formation of thunderstorms.

The beginning of the phase marks the end of the southwest monsoon season, which began on May 6, he added.

“During the phase, thunderstorms with heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected over short period of time, especially in the evening and night in the west coast and interior areas of the Peninsula, the west coast of Sabah and Sarawak, respectively, as well as central Sarawak,” he said in a statement today.

The weather also has the potential to cause flash floods and damage weak infrastructure, he said, adding that smoke was likely to abate.

The public is advised to be more alert during this period and always stay updated with weather predictions and warning issued by the department through its website www.met.gov.my, the myCuaca mobile application and social media. – Bernama, September 21, 2019.