A special lecturer at the Graduate School of Environmental Development Administration at the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), Dr. Sunt Srianthumrong, warned today (Monday) that the worst of the rain for Bangkok this year is yet to come. The capital and its suburbs were lashed by heavy downpours, measured at over 120mm in 24 hours, for six days between August 1st and September 10th.

Displaying graphs of rainfall exceeding 120mm in 24 hours from 2017 to 2022, he said that there was only one day in2020 when rainfall exceeded 120mm, two days in 2021 and, so far, six days this year.

Average seven-day rainfall between August 1st and September 10th this year was 99.9mm, which was the highest in Bangkok and its suburbs in six years. The most worrisome aspect of this trend is that the worst rain of this year may not have arrived yet, said Dr. Sunt, as he warned that people in Bangkok will face extreme weather more often in the future as global warming gets worse.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, meanwhile, issued a warning to city dwellers on its Facebook page today of rain from 5pm until 8pm, especially in the Don Mueang, Sai Mai, Klong Sam Wa, Lak Si, Bang Khen, Chatuchak and Lat Phrao areas.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said that water levels in the Lat Phrao and Prem Prachakon canals have dropped by 50cm and 30cm respectively this morning, but the levels in the Lat Krabang and Prawet Buri Ram canals have not fallen.

He did, however, express optimism that situation in the Prawet Buri Ram canal will improve after water levels in the Lat Phrao and Prem Prachakon canals have dropped.