After Thailand sweltered through the scorching heat of April, with a few refreshing showers in between, it seems the rain is here to stay – at least until July. According to the latest update from the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) on May 13, the kingdom will officially usher in the rainy season on May 15.
Over the past few weeks, you’ve probably noticed the rain, especially during your commute. However, the TMD explained that these showers were caused by southeasterly winds and didn’t quite meet the official criteria for the rainy season.
But now, the real deal is here. The department has confirmed that current weather patterns check all the boxes, including widespread rainfall across the north, southwesterly winds at lower levels and easterly winds at higher altitudes.
The forecast suggests that rainfall this season will be about five percent higher than the long-term average, particularly between now and July. In addition, there’s an expectation of one or two tropical storms between August and October, which could bring more unpredictable weather during those months.
As the drizzle rolls in across the city, you should keep your umbrella handy. In Bangkok, watch out for potential flooding, especially in low-lying areas that tend to collect more rain. The weather could get wilder over the next few days, so be ready for sudden downpours and traffic mayhem.