PETALING JAYA: Drive carefully. That’s the advice by the Meteorological Department for those joining the balik kampung rush this weekend as rain is expected throughout the country.

       Those who wish to travel from today until May 2 are advised to exercise caution as rain and thunderstorms are forecast to hit most states in Malaysia. Checks on the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) website show that only Melaka could have one day without rain today.

       Several places in Penang, Perak, Kedah, Labuan and Sabah are forecast to see rain and thunderstorms throughout the day.

       Negri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Selangor are expected to get rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon.

       Thunderstorms in Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu, Johor and Sarawak could begin in the evening and last into the night.

       Rain or thunderstorms in most states on the peninsula are expected to last until May 2.

       In a statement, MetMalaysia said no significant or extreme weather is forecast during Hari Raya which is expected to be celebrated on May 3.

       However, thunderstorms are possible in some states and people are advised to take precautions.

       “Rain is expected to occur in coastal areas in a few places in Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor and Sabah (Kudat and Sandakan) in the morning.

       “In the afternoon, rain and thunderstorms are expected to hit several places in western Sabah, Labuan, and northern Sarawak.

       “Rain and thunderstorms are also expected to hit one or two places in East Johor, Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu and western Sarawak,” the statement said.

       In the evening, only a few places in Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu, the interior of Sabah and Sarawak (Miri and Limbang) are expected to receive rain.