KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a thunderstorm warning for three states, effective until noon today.

According to the latest update released at 9.50am, thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to affect several areas in Kelantan, Johor, and Sarawak.

For Kelantan, the affected districts include Tumpat, Kota Baru, Bachok, and Pasir Puteh.

In Johor, the affected areas include Pontian, Kulai, Kota Tinggi, and Johor Baru.

In East Malaysia, the impacted regions in Sarawak include Betong, Sarikei (Sarikei and Meradong), and Mukah (Tanjung Manis, Daro, and Matu).

"Warnings will be issued when there are signs of thunderstorms with rainfall exceeding 20mm per hour, either already occurring or expected to occur for more than an hour.

"The thunderstorm warning is a short-term alert, valid for a maximum period of six hours from the time it is issued," MetMalaysia said in a statement.