Thailand will officially enter this year’s rainy season on Thursday, as the Meteorological Department predicts less rainfall this year than last.
The department’s director-general, Dr. Sukanyanee Yawinyacharn, forecasts that average rainfall throughout the year will be 5% higher than average, albeit less than last year.
5-10% more than average rainfall is forecast until July in the northern and north-eastern regions. During the second half of the rainy season, from August to December, the average rainfall will be normal, except for the eastern coast of the southern region, where rainfall is expected to be 10% below average.
From mid-June until July, the northern and north-eastern regions, and the upper part of the central plains, are forecast to see a break in rainfall, as farmers, whose rice fields have no access to irrigation, are advised to use water economically.
Intense rainfall is predicted from August until October, with the likelihood of storms, flash floods and river overflows in low-lying areas.
The department expects 1 or 2 tropical storms to hit Thailand’s northern and north-eastern provinces this year.
Regarding the influence of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climate phenomenon, the Met Office says it will remain in a neutral state from September until November and this will cause widespread rain of slightly above average levels.
