Thailand is officially entering the rainy season. Tropical cyclones accompanied by heavy downpours are expected in August and September.
The Thai Meteorological Department announced the end of the summer season on 20 May and the official start of the rainy season. Heavy rains are expected in Thailand in August and September, coinciding with the predicted passage of tropical cyclones through the kingdom.
In the upper regions of the kingdom, heavy rains have been falling in at least 60 per cent of the region for three consecutive days,’ the department said. People should be mindful of the possibility of flash floods and landslides due to accumulated rainfall.
The El Niño phenomenon is expected to end and turn into La Niña, bringing heavy rainfall. Therefore, heavy rain is expected this rainy season, leading to flash floods and landslides in some areas.
Head of the Meteorological Department, Kornrawi Sittthichiwapak, said that an announcement has been published for the start of the rainy season in Thailand in 2024. This is because more than 60 percent of the upper part of the country has been experiencing heavy rains continuously for at least three days.
In addition, the upper-level winds covering Thailand at an altitude of about 1.5 kilometres have shifted to southwesterly winds, carrying moisture from the Andaman Sea. At the same time, the winds at an altitude of 10 kilometres became easterly. When all three meteorological factors are met, it is considered the official start of this year’s rainy season.
The rainy season in the upper part of the country is expected to end around mid-October, while in the south, especially on the east coast, heavy rains will continue until mid-January.
The El Niño or Southern Oscillation phenomenon is currently in a weak phase, marking the end of the El Niño phase. It is forecast to enter a neutral phase in June and a weak La Niña in July, leading to an improvement in the amount and distribution of rainfall during this year’s rainy season.
During the 2024 rainy season, 1-2 tropical cyclones are expected to move over the kingdom, which is average. Unlike 2023, when there were no tropical cyclones in Thailand, there is a high probability of them passing through the northeastern and northern regions in August and September. This could lead to an improved water situation in these regions compared to last year.
Total rainfall for the rainy season is expected to be similar to that of 2023, which saw 1 per cent more rainfall than average. There may be a dry period from mid-June to mid-July. Therefore, areas outside of irrigation zones should be mindful of the possibility of water shortages.
However, heavy rainfall is expected in August and September, coinciding with the predicted passage of tropical cyclones through Thailand. People should be prepared for possible flash floods and landslides due to heavy rainfall.
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