KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) has issued a thunderstorm warning affecting multiple states, with the city and most of Selangor expected to face severe weather this afternoon.

The alert, effective until 5pm, covers Perlis, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and parts of Kedah, Perak, Terengganu, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan and Johor.

Districts in Selangor under the warning include Sabak Bernam, Kuala Selangor, Hulu Selangor, Gombak, Petaling and Hulu Langat, all of which could experience heavy rain, strong winds and frequent lightning.

METMalaysia said the storms may develop rapidly in the late afternoon, potentially causing flash floods, fallen trees and disruptions to road traffic and outdoor activities.

The department noted that rainfall intensity could exceed 20mm per hour and persist for more than an hour, prompting the short-term advisory that remains valid for up to six hours.

This warning comes as Malaysia prepares for the start of the inter-monsoon phase on 30 September, a period that typically brings unstable weather and frequent thunderstorms until November.

During this transition, weak and shifting winds are expected to fuel afternoon storm activity, particularly in urban areas like the Klang Valley where localised flooding risks are higher.

METMalaysia urged residents, especially those in flood-prone a to stay updated on weather developments and avoid activities near rivers, open fields or construction sites during storms.