Frequent rains in the past few days are considered signs that the effects of El Niño, which is responsible for the protracted dry spell, may finally be abating. El Niño is weakening and the rains are also doing their part in lowering temperatures.

The atmospheric temperature in the country is expected to reduce with the strength of the El Niño winds weakening coupled with an increase in the frequency of rain.

The Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department in a press statement yesterday said that following Brunei Darussalam's monsoon cycle, the country is still undergoing the monsoon transition period up until the end of May or early June.

During the transitional period, the prevailing north-easterly dominant wind flow is expected to gradually weaken and change into a south-westerly dominant wind flow by around June.

The department said Brunei expects more frequent rain with thunderstorms during the evening.

"Throughout this period, the country will experience hot weather during daytime while active thunderstorm occurrences are likely during the evening and late night.

Meanwhile, the El Niño phenomenon that has been occurring over the Pacific Ocean since late 2015 remains and is weakening," the statement added.

"The latest prediction from the leading world climate centres suggest that El Niño conditions over the Pacific Ocean will slowly dissipate by June 2016. Therefore, the effects of El Niño are still expected to influence our weather with air temperatures occasionally exceeding 34°C for some days in the coming month. We shall keep monitoring the weather and climate conditions and will issue weather advisories or warnings, as and when necessary."

Exactly a week ago, it had rained in almost every corner of the country and Bruneians in several parts of the country also enjoyed a less intense weather.

"It's really nice to get wet for once after travelling every day under the hot sun picking up children from school. The rain also helps to reduce the smell of forest fire," said a public servant, Shahriman.

A self-employee Jamarshah said the scorching heat is unbearable. "I would sweat by the time I reached home. But now thunderstorms can be heard at night and I am grateful for the blessings from Allah the Almighty for the showers," he said.

For the latest weather update, the public may contact Duty Meteorological Forecaster at their Forecast Office through Weather Line 114, or visit their website at www.met.gov.bn or follow their Facebook (bruneiweather) and Brunei WX mobile application.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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