KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a thunderstorm warning for seven states and Kuala Lumpur, with heavy rain, strong winds and lightning expected until 5pm.

In a statement issued at 2.30pm, MetMalaysia said the affected areas include Kedah, with warnings for Kota Setar, Pokok Sena, Padang Terap, Yan, Pendang, Kuala Muda, Sik, Baling, Kulim and Bandar Baharu.

In Perak, the warning covers Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar, Kinta, Perak Tengah, Kampar, Bagan Datuk, Hilir Perak, Batang Padang and Muallim.

In Pahang, thunderstorms are forecast in Cameron Highlands, Lipis and Raub.

The alert also applies to parts of Selangor, including Kuala Selangor, Klang, Gombak, Petaling and Hulu Langat.

The Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur is under the same weather warning.

In Johor, the affected areas are Kluang, Mersing, Kulai, Kota Tinggi and Johor Baru.

Sarawak is expected to be hit in Mukah, Bintulu and parts of Miri, namely the districts of Subis, Beluru, Miri and Marudi.

In Sabah, Telupid, Beluran and Sandakan are forecast to experience severe weather.

MetMalaysia said the warning was triggered by signs of thunderstorm activity with rainfall intensity exceeding 20mm per hour, currently occurring or expected to continue for over an hour.

It added that thunderstorm warnings are short-term alerts, valid for up to six hours after issuance.