SIBU: It has been raining cats and dogs in most parts of Sarawak which is unusual as June is a dry month.

       According to a spokesman from the Sarawak Meteorological Department, this unexpected weather pattern is due to a “monsoon phase”.

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       While the south-west monsoon brings a hot and dry period, he said a monsoon break is when changes in wind direction encourage the formation of active clouds.

       Malaysia is now also experiencing a weak La-Nina phenomenon that causes additional rain, he added.

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       “The squall line phenomenon, which brings heavy rain and strong winds with lightning in the early morning, can also occur during the south-west monsoon especially in the coastal areas,” he said.

       On the expected amount of rainfall over the next few months, the spokesman said Sibu, in particular, will experience heavy rainfall.

       In June, he said the total rainfall would be between 160mm-240 mm, July (140mm-220 mm), August (270mm to 320mm) and September (240-370mm).