Western Sarawak enters the monsoon transition period from October 9, with MetMalaysia forecasting a greater likelihood of short spells of heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds, especially in the afternoon and early evening. The phase is expected to last until the end of October. For Kuching and nearby communities, the concern is the intensity of individual storms rather than rain lasting all day. MetMalaysia's October 6 statement said light winds from varying directions could encourage thunderstorm clouds, with possible flash floods, sudden river surges, fallen trees and damage to less sturdy structures. This is a forecast for the transition period, not a district-specific thunderstorm warning for every afternoon. Anyone timing an outdoor journey should check the latest MetMalaysia forecast and warnings through myCuaca or the department's official channels, rather than treating the October 9 start date as a fixed storm timetable. The weather hotline is 1-300-22-1638. The transition marks the end of the Southwest Monsoon, which began on May 14. MetMalaysia also expected changing wind directions to gradually reduce the effects of cross-border haze; that does not establish that local air quality has already improved.