Thailand will officially enter the rainy season today, May 15, but with less rain than usual, the Meteorological Department announced on Thursday.
The season’s official start is dependent on three conditions: continuing rain over 60% or more of upper Thailand, lower-level winds shifting to southwesterly and upper-altitude winds turning to easterly, the department said.
This year, the wet season across upper Thailand will continue until around mid-October, while the eastern parts of the South will see rain until December.
Overall, rainfall is expected to be about 10% lower than the seasonal average.
Until mid-June, rainfall is expected to steadily increase in frequency, especially in the East and western parts of the South.
From the end of June into July, rain frequency and intensity will drop, causing a dry spell for a while before resuming in August and September.
Scientists have warned of a growing risk of a Super El Nino in the second half of the year, with Southeast Asia expected to be hit particularly hard by dry conditions.
