Ready for the Rainy Season?

Created By RISC | 2 days ago

Last modified date : 2 days ago

Since the official start of the rainy season, on 15 May, many provinces have experienced continuous rainfall.

But have you ever wondered how the Meteorological Department decides this date?

3 criteria must be met:

• More than 60% of the upper part of Thailand must experience rainfall continuously for at least 3 days.
• The wind at about 1.5 km above the ground must shift to a southwesterly direction, bringing in moisture from the Andaman Sea to cover Thailand persistently.
• The wind at about 10 km above the ground must shift to an easterly direction.

Rainfall, flooding, and droughts depend largely on the El Niño–La Niña phenomenon. The world is currently in a neutral phase of this cycle and Thailand's overall rainfall this year is expected to be slightly above average, spread widely across regions.

But the rainy season raises the risk of illness and accidents and will likely last through October. The heaviest rainfall typically comes in August and September.

To stay safe and healthy throughout this season, be prepared and be careful. Take an umbrella when you go out. Wear non-slip footwear. Avoid crowds to escape seasonal illnesses. And make sure your vehicle’s safe to drive in wet conditions.

Let’s stay strong and safe through the rainy season.

Story by Sirapach Mangkang, Geographic Information System (GIS) specialist, RISC