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The Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) has forecast widespread rain and thunderstorms throughout the Hari Raya Aidilfitri weekend, starting Friday, 20 March
In a special festive forecast released yesterday, 16 March, the agency warned that several states across Peninsular Malaysia, as well as parts of Sabah and Sarawak, are expected to experience wet weather over the long weekend.
On Friday, 20 March, thunderstorms are expected in the afternoon and evening across nine states and federal territories — Kedah, Penang, Perak, Pahang, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya.
Earlier in the day, rain is forecast in Perak and Tawau in Sabah.
Saturday, 21 March — which is expected to be the first day of Aidilfitri — will see persistent unsettled weather in several areas.
Perak is forecast to experience rain in the morning, while thunderstorms are expected later in the day in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya.
Parts of Sarawak — including Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, and Sri Aman — are also expected to see afternoon or evening storms.
On Sunday, 22 March, thunderstorms are forecast to continue in parts of East Malaysia, particularly Sandakan and the west coast of Sabah.
Similar conditions are expected in Sarawak, affecting Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, and Sri Aman.
Things to note about the Raya weekend forecast
- Friday (20 March): Morning rain in Perak and Tawau; afternoon/night thunderstorms across nine states, including KL and Selangor.
- Saturday (21 March – Expected 1st day of Raya): Morning rain in Perak; afternoon/night thunderstorms in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, KL, Putrajaya, and parts of Sarawak.
- Sunday (22 March): Afternoon thunderstorms in Sandakan, west coast Sabah, and parts of Sarawak.
METMalaysia said the early release of the forecast is intended to help Malaysians plan their balik kampung journeys, particularly with thunderstorms expected to develop later in the day.
The agency added that weather conditions will be updated periodically.
