PETALING JAYA: More thunderstorms and flash floods can be expected in the west coast of the peninsula until May this year, say climatologists.

They say this is due to the inter-monsoon period, which began on March 25 and is expected to last until May.

Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences senior research fellow Prof Datuk Dr Azizan Abu Samah said the west coast of the peninsula usually experiences higher rainfall in April.

“However, thunderstorms during this season are not those that last continuously for 24 to 48 hours, as observed during the northeast monsoon surges.

“Hence, the risk of major flooding is low; expect more flash floods instead, especially if the rain occurs during a high tide,” he said.

Climatologist Prof Dr Fredolin Tangang, who is also an Academy of Sciences Malaysia Fellow, said besides the west coast of the peninsula, Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Putrajaya and surrounding areas are also susceptible to flash floods during this period.

He also said more rain can be expected sometime in September and October, which is also an inter-monsoon period.

“This is due to the weaker wind conditions, which can result in favourable conditions for rain to occur, and typically in the afternoon and evening.

“It is possible that climate change amplifies this by increasing moisture content in the atmosphere.”

He also warned of extreme weather patterns in areas like Sekinchan in Selangor, as well as Kedah and Perlis.

Yesterday, flash floods struck parts of Selangor. Among the affected areas are parts of Shah Alam, Klang, Puchong and Kampung Tengah in the Petaling district.

According to the National Disaster Management Agency, 930 victims had been displaced in the state due to floods as at 8pm and were housed at four temporary relief centres.

The Malaysian Highway Authority had issued a warning to motorists about traffic congestion along the Puchong Barat toll.

It said this was due to residents’ parking their vehicles there following flash floods in areas adjacent to the expressway.