Brunei's Local News - Brudirect.com

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Sultanate is experiencing wetter weather so far this year due to the "La Nina" effect, a weather forecaster said yesterday.

"In the last few days, we saw a cold air outbreak' from continental Asia, notably China and Siberia, which affected the Sultanate which is currently experiencing a north-east monsoon," he said.

The weather forecast for today (Jan 13) alone indicates rough seas with waves of two to three metres which remain dangerous to all marine activities. The risk of flash floods is predicted to persist in low-lying areas.

Cloudy and unsettled weather with more rain showers are expected throughout the period, especially over the Belait District. However the outlook at night will see partly cloudy and improving weather conditions.

Continuous rainfall has caused flooding along riverbanks and in low-lying areas. Business among fishmongers in Jerudong beach is also affected.

A retiree and regular customer, Dyg Hjh Jiyah, lamented that of late, there is less variety of fish available at Jerudong beach. She could only buy her favourite fish, "Kitang" and "Rumahan" yesterday.

Kuala Belait and Seria were at the receiving end of the wet weather over the weekend as schools were closed after some colleges and institutions were inundated by floodwaters.

Meanwhile, Bernama reported that northeasterly winds of up to 60 km per hour and rough seas with waves up to 5.5 metres high are expected to occur in the waters off Sabah and Sarawak until Wednesday, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department.

It had issued a third category wind warning for the waters off Condore, Pahlawan, Reef North and Layang-Layang, Bunguran, Mukah, Bintulu, Miri, Labuan, Sabah Barat and Kudat. It said the wind and sea conditions would be dangerous for shipping, workers on oil rigs, ferry services, coastal activities and fishing. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin