Thailand’s dry season to begin officially on next Friday

This year’s dry season in Thailand will officially start on February 28 and will last until mid-May, with average maximum temperatures forecast at 35-36oC, which is somewhat lower than last year, said Dr. Sugunyanee Yavinchan, director-general of the Meteorological Department.

She explained that the determination of the transition from the cool to the dry season is based upon the maximum temperature in more than 60% of Thailand’s northern, northeastern, central and eastern regions being continuously above 35oC and the northeastern monsoon wind across northern Thailand changing to a southeasterly flow.

April will be the hottest month, with temperatures exceeding 42oC in 14 provinces, including Mae Hong Son, Tak, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phitsanuloke, Loei, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Nong Bua Lamphu, Khon Kaen and Chaiyaphum, she said, adding that occasional storms are also forecast.

Rainfall during the dry season will be up to 20% more than last year, but will not be widespread or last long, said Dr. Sugunyanee.

A new moderate to strong cold front is forecast to blanket northeastern Thailand and the South China Sea from Sunday until next Tuesday. This may bring some heavy precipitation.