Odd Thai weather patterns no concern
Bangkok Post: 10 Feb 2010
WEATHER
Odd patterns no concernWeather experts are ruling out climate change as a cause of this cold season's unusual weather patterns.
Frequent rainfall and hot weather during the cool season have raised concerns about the impact of global warming on Thailand's climate.
The Meteorological Department yesterday confirmed that the country's weather patterns had not changed.
Deputy director-general Somchai Baimuang said the rain at this time of year was caused by clashes between cold fronts from China and depressions from the South China Sea.
"There is no need to worry about rainfall [happening] in the cold season," he said.
"There is always rainfall at this time of the year. But this year's rainfall has been more frequent than other years."
The El Nino phenomenon was also a factor which increased rainfall, said Sathon Vijarnwannaluk, of Chulalongkorn University's department of science.
He said there had not been much of a change from the average temperature. But statistics from meteorological stations show the number of days with temperatures over 35C has increased in all provinces except Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani and Narathiwat.
The Meteorological Department warned people to brace for high temperatures and drought this coming dry season.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/32622/odd-patterns-no-concern