The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has announced that the start of this year’s cool season in Thailand is expected to be delayed by approximately two weeks and will be warmer than usual. This change is attributed to unpredictable weather patterns and the influence of the El Niño phenomenon.
Typically, Thailand’s cool season begins around mid-October. However, this year, the initial mild cool weather is predicted to arrive in the northern regions of Thailand tomorrow, signaling the beginning of the seasonal transition. This cool spell is expected to last until the following Monday, according to the TMD.
Residents in the northeast region will experience a noticeable drop in temperature, but they will continue to encounter sporadic rain and thunderstorms for a bit longer. Nevertheless, the frequency of rainfall is expected to decrease significantly.
The coldest period in Thailand is anticipated to start at the beginning of next month and extend until the end of January. The average temperature in the northern part of the country is projected to be around 21 to 22 degrees Celsius, which is approximately 1.5 degrees Celsius higher than the average temperature during last year’s cool season.
Temperatures in the northern and northeastern regions are expected to range from 1 to 9 degrees Celsius. In contrast, Bangkok is likely to experience temperatures between 17 and 18 degrees Celsius, while surrounding provinces will see temperatures between 15 and 16 degrees Celsius.
In addition to its impact on Thailand’s cool season, the El Niño phenomenon poses a significant threat to the country’s rice production. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has expressed concerns about a potential three-year-long drought caused by El Niño, which could disrupt rice production and lead to shortages in domestic consumption.
