Lyna Mohamad
The Sultanate will experience hazy conditions in August due to dry weather across the Southeast Asian region, the Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department (BDMD) said.
The department also conducted the 20th national weather briefing at the Information Department building auditorium attended by 85 representatives from government agencies and the private sector as well as the public.
Acting Deputy Director of Meteorology Hassanul Kamal bin Haji Adam delivered the briefing regarding the southwest monsoon.
The briefing is one of the department’s initiatives to invoke engagement with different user groups such as those from first and safety responders, economic and industry groups, construction companies, insurance companies, small and medium enterprises and the media.
The briefing’s goal is to increase the understanding and awareness of various user groups and the public towards the current weather conditions of Brunei.
The briefing also facilitates the preparedness of user groups and the public in the planning and take preliminary actions in the event of any weather condition.
The briefing focussed on weather conditions, climate and the long-range weather outlook of the southwest monsoon that began in the final week of May.
It is expected to persist until the end of September.
During the southwest monsoon, atmospheric conditions over Brunei tend to be quite stable with minimal localised thundershowers occurrences. However, squally showers will be rather frequent when a tropical storm is located close to the region. The wind condition generally will be blowing from the southwest direction during this period.
The Southwest Monsoon is also synonymous with the season of active development of tropical storm and typhoon systems over the northwest Pacific Ocean and South China Sea.
The influence of tropical storm or typhoon systems nearby the region may bring about the development of squall line phenomena which will cause the Sultanate to experience unsettled weather conditions with thunderstorms and occasional gusty winds.
In view of the likelihood of El-Nino occurring during the monsoon, suppressed rainfall activity with increasing air temperature and low relative humidity are anticipated. Dry and hot weather conditions are expected to occur in the coming months with possible increase in daily maximum temperatures reaching 34.0°C or more in the afternoon.
Excessive hot weather (EHW) or commonly known as heatwave event in Brunei tends to occur during El-Nino episodes. EHW is defined when daily observed maximum temperature is at least 35°C for three consecutive days.
The public is advised to take precautions and safety measures and to follow the Ministry of Health’s guidelines with regards to hot weather conditions.
