Weather department adopts a friendlier look for updates and warnings

The Meteorological Department has adjusted the way it communicates weather warnings, using simpler and friendlier language after facing criticism that its forecasts and warnings were difficult for the public to understand and did not always clearly explain what people should do.

The department’s Facebook page has recently adopted a more approachable style for its weather updates, using simpler language, fewer technical terms and less complicated figures. It has also introduced lighter graphics and clearer information to make rainfall and weather conditions easier for the public to understand.

The new format has drawn positive reactions from social media users.

For example, instead of relying solely on conventional weather terminology, one post on Monday said: “The sunshine has arrived as promised,” accompanied by a sun emoji.

It said the Suvarnabhumi radar had detected no rain in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces and added: “If you’re ready to do the laundry, raise your hand.”

A post the previous day told people who had not yet done their laundry to get ready because Bangkok residents would have an appointment with sunshine the following day.

The department also reported that rain detected over Bangkok was beginning to ease, while warning that light rain could still pass through the capital overnight and into the early morning.

In another update on Monday, the department used a more conversational tone to advise residents in the North that rain was continuing, saying: “The rain is not letting up in the northern region tonight!”

It said radar scans had detected moderate to heavy rain in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai and Tak, as well as parts of Lamphun and Lampang.

The post advised people living near mountains or streams to be alert to possible mudslides caused by accumulated rain over the next 24 hours.

It also urged people to take extra care of elderly people and young children in their homes.

Another update, aimed at commuters, said: “Work has finished, but the rain hasn’t!”

It reported rain in Samut Prakan, Chachoengsao and Nakhon Nayok moving northeast towards Prachin Buri, and advised people in those areas or those travelling home to check rainfall and road conditions, particularly in places still affected by flooding.

The department also encouraged people to tag friends and relatives in affected areas to alert them.

The new light-hearted format and easy-to-understand information attracted praise, as well as clicks and likes from netizens.

One user wrote that this was “what we want”, while others said they could now understand the weather situation better.

The changes came amid growing criticism of the department’s previous communication style, with members of the public and disaster experts saying technical terms and general warnings, such as “monitor the situation”, were not always clear enough to help people decide what action to take.

The criticism intensified during the recent flooding, with some people calling for more specific information about when and where heavy rain was expected and what they should do to protect their homes, vehicles and belongings.