Cool relief blows across Phuket

PHUKET: After months of searing heat and little rain, blessedly cool weather reached Phuket today – but the relief will probably last no longer than 36 hours. Tawat Tantamanu of the Southwestern Regional Meteorological Center told the Gazette that the drop in temperature was caused by a low-pressure system moving up from Malaysia. “It has brought clouds and showers this morning to parts of Phuket and to some provinces in the South, including Narathiwat and Satun,” K. Tawat said. “Tonight there may be more rain over Phuket.” However, he added, the rain is not expected to alleviate the threat of drought currently looming over the island. The temperature forecast for Southwest Thailand tomorrow is 24° to 36° C.