Brunei Darussalam will be entering the Northeast Monsoon in early December 2022 and is expected to persist until March 2023. The first two months of Northeast Monsoon (December 2022 and January 2023), also known as the rainy season, normally the country receives the highest amount of rainfall and have recorded the highest number of rain days, in comparison to the other months. During this period, the country normally experiences unsettled weather conditions with showers or thundershowers, heavy at times, especially during the night until early morning.

Based on climatological data, December recorded an average rainfall of 358.9 mm, while January received an average rainfall of 320.6 mm. The average number of rain days for December and January are 22 days and 18 days, respectively.

Whereas during the second half of Northeast Monsoon (in February and March 2023), the atmospheric conditions tend to be more stable with less rainfall activities, with an average rainfall for February of 162.9 mm and 143.4 mm for March.

During the rainy season, it is important for the general public to take note of the high risk of flooding or flash floods especially at low-lying and flood prone areas as well as near the river banks. The risk of severe flooding may occur during the event of heavy rain coinciding with high tide, and also the risk of landslide and falling trees during continuous heavy rain that may last for more than 1 hour. Strong surges from the North-easterly wind may also result in the increase of wave height over Brunei waters to rough state of more than 2.0 metres, and wind speed may increase up to more than 45 km/h.

In light of this, members of the public are advised to take precautionary actions with respect to active weather condition forecasted during this rainy season. Sea conditions would also be dangerous to all small crafts, and sea recreational activities and sports (such as swimming, jet skiing and scuba diving) during this season. Public, road users and mariners are advised to always be up to date with the latest weather forecast, advisory and warning issued by Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department, and to make any necessary planning to ensure safety.

We shall continue to monitor the weather conditions and will issue weather advisories or warnings if necessary. Latest weather information, advisories and warnings can be accessed easily through our mobile app, Brunei WX, as these weather information, advisories and warnings can be received immediately after they are issued. Latest weather information can also be obtained by contacting the duty meteorological forecaster at our Forecast Centre, through our Weather Line 114, by visiting our website at www.met.gov.bn or follow our Facebook (@bruneiweather) and Instagram (@brunei.weather).

Wallahu a’lam Bissawab.