Summary
The rainy season officially began on May 16th. However, there are remaining water reservoirs yet to be filled, particularly in the northern provinces. Overall, the after effects of drought experienced in the previous months are not yet over in terms of economy, since prices of commodities increased and crop production significantly lowered.
Economic Loss
The total economic loss from drought could reduce Thailand’s GDP by 0.5%, according to the Economic Intelligence Centre of Siam Commercial Bank (EIC), and up to 80 million Baht in economic damage was lost during the first three months of the year alone, mainly from agricultural loss.
Flood Risk in 2016
Thailand would be at risk from flooding during the second half of the year 2016, GISTDA forecasts. Two to three tropical cyclones are expected to head towards Thailand during the rainy season which will lead to floods. Potential affected areas include Prachinburi, Ayutthaya, Suphanburi, and Pitsanulok, of which are lowlands that have experienced major flooding in 2011. Flooding is likely to occur during August until October. The wet season could last as long as 15 months due to La Niña, characterized by lowering temperatures accompanied by more rain in the region. Heavy rain may drag on until 2017. However the extent of the floods should be less severe compared to the Great Flood in 2011, which inundated 90 billion square kilometers of land.
RID news
The Royal Irrigation Department chief Suthep Noipairoj said although the Bhumibol dam has yet to be filled with additional rainwater, three other dams; the Sirikit, the Kwae Noi, and the Pasak Jolasid dams have been slowly filling up from rainwater flowing from the North. For the past week, the three dams have received a total of 72.08 million cubic meters of water.
Dam Water Level: http://www.waterforthai.org/th/dam-report
Precipitation: http://www.arcims.tmd.go.th/dailydata/MonthRain.php
Total monthly rainfall: Throughout May, Thailand’s precipitation levels have increased in for all regions, especially in the South West Coast. Departure from normal: Precipitation in May has increased the amount of rainfall and closing the gap compared to the previous year’s average. However, the current amount of rain is still considered to be slightly lower than the average, deviating by -70mm. Number of rainy days: The number of days rained in May have increased compared to last month’s dry weather.
7 days Forecast: http://www.tmd.go.th/en/7-day_forecast.php
During June2nd-6th, the Northeast, Central and Eastern regions will have more rain. Summer thunderstorms are likely to occur around upper Thailand, with possibilities of hail and strong winds. People in the regions should beware of wind storms and keep away from billboards, trees, and buildings.
Weather forecast: JUNE: http://www.tmd.go.th/monthly_forecast.php
Region | Rainfall | Rainy days | Max. Temperature | Min. Temperature |
Northern | 130-170 mm | 16-19 day | 33-35℃ | 24-26℃ |
Northeastern | 180-220 mm | 14-17 day | 33-35℃ | 24-26℃ |
Central | 130-170 mm | 14-17 day | 34-36℃ | 25-27℃ |
Eastern | 240-290 mm | 15-18 day | 32-34℃ | 25-27℃ |
Southeastern | 90-130 mm | 12-15 day | 32-34℃ | 24-26℃ |
Southwestern | 270-320 mm | 17-20 day | 31-33℃ | 24-26℃ |
The Upper Chao Phraya River Flow: http://water.rid.go.th/flood/plan_new/chaophaya/
Water Level in many canals are normal. Water canals can take much more water runoff from upstream
The Lower Chao Phraya River Flow: http://water.rid.go.th/flood/plan_new/chaophaya/
Normal water levels and flow are observed in all areas.
References
http://www.nationtv.tv/main/content/social/378502535/
http://www.thaiwater.net/web/index.php/ourworks2554/379-2011flood-summary.html
http://water.rid.go.th/flood/plan_new/chaophaya/Chao_up.php?cal2=27052016
http://water.rid.go.th/flood/plan_new/chaophaya/Chao_low.php?cal2=27052016
http://www.arcims.tmd.go.th/dailydata/MonthRain.php
http://www.waterforthai.org/th/dam-report
http://www.thaiwater.net/web/index.php/ourworks2554/379-2011flood-summary.html
http://www.thaiwater.net/DATA/REPORT/php/rid_dam_1.php?lang=en
http://www.tmd.go.th/en/7-day_forecast.php
http://www.tmd.go.th/en/archive/thailand_climate.pdf
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/994313/relief-as-rain-falls-but-droughts-aftermath-to-linger