In December 2023, Thailand
experienced varied weather conditions due to the influence of a moderate to
active high-pressure system. This system was particularly influential towards
the end of the month, extending its ridge over upper Thailand. As a result, the
early and middle parts of the month saw cool weather across most areas, with
northern and northeastern regions experiencing colder conditions. Subsequently,
temperatures across upper Thailand decreased further, leading to predominantly
cool and cold weather, especially in the northern and northeastern parts. The
mountainous regions and peaks experienced even colder weather, ranging from
cold to very cold, with some areas reporting frost. Regarding rainfall, it was
generally scarce in upper Thailand. However, the central and eastern parts
received some rainfall at the beginning of the month. In contrast, the southern
part of Thailand, influenced by a moderate northeast monsoon over the Gulf of
Thailand and the presence of a low-pressure cell over Malaysia and the Strait
of Malacca from the 23rd to the 25th, experienced significant rainfall. This
was particularly true along the east coast, where heavy to very heavy rainfall
led to flooding in many areas. Overall, the average rainfall in Thailand for
December was about 20% below the normal levels. Specifically, the northern part
received 7.8 mm (74% of the normal), the northeastern part 7.3 mm (88%), the
eastern part 0.9 mm (9%), the southern part on the east coast 35.6 mm (13%),
and the southern part on the west coast 25.5 mm (28%). Interestingly, the
central part experienced slightly above normal rainfall at 0.3 mm (104%). Temperature-wise,
the average for the month was 1.7°C higher than the usual for this time of
year, reflecting an overall warmer December across Thailand. More details were as follow.
Announcement Date 31 December 2023 11:05