El Niño threatens Thai agriculture with 5% rainfall drop and water shortages

[snoop1130]

 

The El Niño weather pattern’s impact on Thailand is becoming more apparent, with hot and dry conditions persisting despite the rainy season’s official commencement on May 22. The Meteorological Department has announced that this year’s total rainfall will be approximately 5% lower than the annual average, leading to potential water shortages and prolonged dry spells.

 

The El Niño phenomenon, which could continue until February 2024, is expected to peak in August and September. Heavy rain and flash floods may be triggered by one or two tropical storms moving across Thailand’s northern and northeastern regions.

 

Nipon Puapongsakorn, a distinguished fellow at the Thailand Development Research Institute, highlighted concerns regarding the agricultural sector, particularly the durian crop, which requires significant water during its four-month growth period. Water shortages could lead to conflicts between agricultural, industrial, and service sectors, she told Bangkok Post.

 

Visit Limlurcha, vice-chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, stated that El Niño may cause a widespread drought in Asia and Thailand, predominantly affecting agricultural areas. This could result in reduced crop yields, increased raw material prices, and a negative impact on the country’s income, exports, and economy.

 

By Alex Morgan

Caption: Picture courtesy of jcomp, Freepik

 

Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/el-nino-threatens-thai-agriculture-with-5-rainfall-drop-and-water-shortages

 

-- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-14

 

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[dinsdale]

So far I think it's pretty standard. Build up to the real wet season continues. Dams have been at lower capacities before at this time of year. Rains are becoming more frequent. Storm clouds are building. Alawys the same this time of the year. Probably break next month IMO.

[BritManToo]

The dams North of Chiang Mai look already full to me, and it's only the start of monsoon.

[zzaa09]

1 hour ago, dinsdale said:

So far I think it's pretty standard. Build up to the real wet season continues. Dams have been at lower capacities before at this time of year. Rains are becoming more frequent. Storm clouds are building. Alawys the same this time of the year. Probably break next month IMO.

Expect the usual August/September abundance - which might include high water/flooding. 

 

[hotchilli]

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The El Niño phenomenon, which could continue until February 2024, is expected to peak in August and September. Heavy rain and flash floods may be triggered by one or two tropical storms moving across Thailand’s northern and northeastern regions.

Best save every drop then instead of watching it run-off

[zzaa09]

5 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Best save every drop then instead of watching it run-off

Still today.....most do [in rural situations]

[Yorkshire Tea]

10 hours ago, BritManToo said:

The dams North of Chiang Mai look already full to me, and it's only the start of monsoon.

Same to East of Chiang Mai.

[KhunBENQ]

5% drop is very optimistic.

Wouldn't be catastrophic.

 

I remember the terrible 2014 which was much worse. It was a year when I started to think how much longer can you stay here.

 

Just reassured myself: 2014 the worst drought in 50 years in the northeast.

When I moved to Thailand in 2011 it was the biggest flood disaster in 50 or more years.

Rain is so unreliable.

[huangnon]

Maybe the writers of this piece ought to meet up with the authors of this:

Quote

 

 

[KhunBENQ]

44 minutes ago, huangnon said:

Maybe the writers of this piece ought to meet up with the authors of this:

Or with this?