PUCHONG: Sabah is forecast to receive above average rainfall for the coming northeast monsoon due to the coinciding La Nina phenomenon, says Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) deputy director-general (operations) Ambun Dindang.

He said the northeast monsoon, which is expected to begin in November and last until March next year, will also bring five to seven episodes of heavy and continuous downpours nationwide.

“Among the areas are the east coast and north of Sabah,” he said during a media briefing organised by the National Disaster Management Agency on preparations for the northeast monsoon here on Thursday (Oct 30).

He added that Sabah is expected to experience above average rainfall episodes between December and February 2026.

Ambun said Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor and Sarawak have also been forecast to experience heavy and continuous downpours between November and December.

The situation is expected to persist in Pahang, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak in January next year.

Sabah and Sarawak have also been forecast to experience heavy and continuous downpours in February next year.

“Said areas are expected to receive regular rainfall except for Sabah. Below average rainfall has meanwhile been forecast to occur in West Sarawak in March next year,” Ambun said.

Beginning January next year, he said rainfall is expected to reduce in the north and east of the peninsula. This will be followed by dry and hot weather until June next year.

Ambun said warnings on extreme weather episodes will also be issued at least a week prior to the incident. “Updated forecasts will be issued daily,” he said.