The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued multiple thunderstorm, heavy rain, and strong wind warnings across various Malaysian states during May 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11].

On May 12, warnings covered nine states including Kedah (Langkawi, Sik, Baling), Penang (Barat Daya, Timur Laut), Perak (all major districts), Kelantan (Jeli), Pahang (Cameron Highlands), Selangor (Sabak Bernam, Kuala Selangor, Klang), Johor (Kota Tinggi, Johor Bahru), Sarawak (Miri), and Sabah (Nabawan, Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran, Tawau, Kunak, Semporna) until 3pm [1, 5].

By May 15, warnings extended to Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, impacting 10 regions total—including Perak, Terengganu, Pahang, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Sarawak, and Sabah—valid until 6pm [2, 7]. On May 16, alerts targeted almost all districts in Perak, Rompin in Pahang, several areas in Johor (Batu Pahat, Kluang, Mersing, Pontian, Kulai, Kota Tinggi, Johor Bahru), Sabah (Tambunan interior, West Coast, Tawau), and Labuan until 4pm [3].

Warnings on May 18 forecast thunderstorms and rain for five states: Penang, Kedah, Perak, Pahang, and Johor until 1pm [4]. From May 20 to 21, MetMalaysia issued several alerts for widespread thunderstorms affecting Kedah, Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Sarawak, and Sabah with varying end times up to midnight [6, 8, 10, 11].

On May 21, a nationwide warning included nearly all states with severe weather expected until 7pm, covering Perlis, Melaka, Kedah, Perak, Pahang, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Sarawak, and Sabah [9].

Warnings typically lasted no longer than six hours per issuance [8]. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi advised the public to "remain aware of current weather developments, use water prudently and avoid any open burning activities that could lead to haze and environmental pollution," adding, "May we all continue to be protected and have our affairs eased. Insya-Allah" [12].

The Southwest Monsoon phase is expected to begin on May 23 and last through September, usually bringing drier and hotter weather, though thunderstorms and heavy rain may still occur in some areas [12].