The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a thunderstorm warning following forecasts of heavy rain affecting several areas in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah until 9pm today.
In a statement, MetMalaysia said that in Peninsular Malaysia, the affected areas include the entire state of Perak, covering Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar, Kinta, Kampar, Batang Padang and Muallim, as well as Kelantan, including Tumpat, Pasir Mas, Kota Bharu, Jeli, Tanah Merah, Bachok, Machang, Pasir Puteh and Kuala Krai.
Similar conditions are expected in Terengganu (Besut, Setiu, Kuala Nerus, Kuala Terengganu and Marang) and Pahang, which includes Cameron Highlands, Lipis, Raub, Jerantut, Bentong, Temerloh, Maran, Bera, Pekan and Rompin.
MetMalaysia also said heavy rain is forecast in Selangor (Hulu Selangor, Gombak and Petaling), Kuala Lumpur, and Johor (Mersing and Kota Tinggi).
In Sabah, the warning covers the West Coast (Ranau), Tawau (Lahad Datu), Sandakan (Telupid, Kinabatangan, Beluran and Sandakan), and Kudat (Kota Marudu and Pitas).
According to MetMalaysia, a heavy rain warning is issued when there are signs of thunderstorm activity with rainfall intensity exceeding 20 millimetres per hour, expected to last for more than one hour.
It added that such warnings are short-term advisories valid for no more than six hours per issuance.

