Malaysia’s 2026/2027 Northeast Monsoon Begins, With Heavy Rain, Floods and Rough Seas Possible Until March 2027

By Paul Harrison, Orbis Weather

Published Friday, November 6, 2026.

Malaysia’s 2026/2027 Northeast Monsoon began on Tuesday, October 27, and is expected to last until March 2027, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) said. Its media statement of October 23, signed by Director-General Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip, warned of prolonged heavy rain, flooding near rivers and in low-lying areas, and rough seas in the South China Sea. Authorities have placed more than 100,000 rescue personnel on standby, and floods in Kelantan and Selangor since the monsoon began have already forced evacuations.

What forecasters expect

MetMalaysia expects three to five episodes of prolonged or continuous heavy rain in the early phase of the monsoon, from November 2026 to January 2027. These could cause floods near rivers and in low-lying areas. From January to March 2027, rainfall is expected to drop, especially in the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia and in Sabah.

The late phase may also turn hot and dry. MetMalaysia links this to the ongoing very strong El Niño, which it says could bring more extreme heatwaves. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said on November 1 that “this year’s Northeast Monsoon is expected to have a more severe impact than in previous years,” Bernama reported.

The Department of Irrigation and Drainage has identified 3,045 flood hotspots nationwide, according to NADMA. The states with the most are:

The Minerals and Geoscience Department has also listed 31 landslide hotspots, including Gunung Jerai, Tanjung Bungah, Kundasang and Cameron Highlands.

Floods so far

Flooding has already hit several areas since the monsoon began:

Rough seas

Strong, persistent northeasterly winds may cause rough seas and raise sea levels in the South China Sea through the season, MetMalaysia said. Its latest marine warning, issued at 5 a.m. Malaysia time on Saturday, November 7, sets out the near-term risk:

MetMalaysia said the conditions are “dangerous to small crafts, recreational sea activities and water sports.” The Education Ministry said SPM exam candidates living on islands in Terengganu will be brought to the mainland, Bernamareported.

How authorities are preparing

The National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) said on October 30 that 101,901 personnel are on standby, Bernama and The Star reported.

More than 40,000 assets are ready, including 2,425 boats, 174 ambulances, 28 aircraft, 27 drones and 35,301 life jackets. NADMA listed 8,321 temporary relief centres with room for about 1.9 million people. It has allocated 60,000 food kits and 170,000 retort food packs, and about half have already been sent to the states.

The Fire and Rescue Department has frozen 80 to 100 percent of staff leave and set up forward bases in Penang, Terengganu and Johor, Director-General Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said, The Vibes reported. The department counts 3,682 flood hotspots by its own measure.

Flood victims will now receive the RM1,000 Bantuan Wang Ihsan aid per family at relief centres, rather than after a two-week wait, Zahid said. He added that “those who do not relocate, even if their names are on the list, will not receive the assistance.”

What residents should do

Officials are urging people to follow MetMalaysia’s warnings and act early. MetMalaysia publishes its warnings at met.gov.my, on the myCuaca app, on its official social media accounts and through its hotline, 1-300-22-1638.

Zahid’s advice to the public, reported by Malay Mail, includes:

• Avoid flood-prone areas and do not cross floodwaters.
• Follow evacuation orders.
• Keep documents, medicine, supplies and emergency numbers ready.

“Safety for yourself and your family must come first,” he said. Education Ministry deputy director-general Datuk Zainal Abas also warned that “children playing in floodwaters or near drains during floods can put themselves in danger.”

Frequently asked questions

When does the Northeast Monsoon end? MetMalaysia expects the 2026/2027 season to last until March 2027. The heaviest rain is expected from November to January, with drier weather from January to March.

Which states are most at risk of flooding? Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu and Sabah have the most flood hotspots on the Department of Irrigation and Drainage’s list. MetMalaysia’s seasonal statement did not single out states for the heavy-rain episodes.

How does El Niño affect this monsoon? MetMalaysia says the very strong El Niño could make the late phase of the season hot and dry, with more extreme heatwaves. It has not said El Niño will reduce the early heavy-rain episodes.

Where can I find official flood and weather warnings? MetMalaysia issues warnings on its website, the myCuaca app and its social media accounts. Residents should also follow evacuation orders from local disaster management committees.

Sources

• MetMalaysia: media statement on the start of the 2026/2027 Northeast Monsoon (in Malay), October 23, 2026
• MetMalaysia: strong wind and rough sea warnings, issued November 7, 2026 (Malaysia time)
• The Star: Start of Northeast Monsoon expected on Oct 27, October 23, 2026
• Malay Mail: Zahid urges public to stay alert as Northeast Monsoon begins, October 27, 2026
• The Vibes: Some 3,682 flood hotspots put Malaysia on alert, October 27, 2026
• Bernama: NADMA preparations for the monsoon, October 30, 2026
• The Star: Over 100,000 rescue personnel on standby, October 30, 2026
• Malay Mail: 3,045 flood hotspots identified, October 30, 2026
• Bernama: Zahid on aid payments and the monsoon’s impact, November 1, 2026
• Bernama: Education Ministry flood preparations, November 2, 2026
• Malay Mail: More than 500 houses affected by floods in Sungai Buloh, November 3, 2026
• Bernama: Floods in Gua Musang, November 4, 2026
• The Rakyat Post: 1,270 flood victims evacuated across Selangor, November 6, 2026