Heavy showers set to dampen Phuket new year

PHUKET: The heavy thunderstorm showers that have drenched Phuket over the past few days are forecast to continue until at least Wednesday, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD).

The TMD today issued a forecast for heavy showers for New Year’s Eve and Day, with a 60% chance of precipitation across the island.

Those celebrating the new year in the north are likely to experience temperature drops of 4-7°C, accentuated by windy conditions. Very cold weather below 8°C with isolated frost on mountain tops in the north were predicted for high mountain ranges.

Cooler temperatures were also forecast for the Northeast and Central Plains as well as Bangkok and the surrounding areas and the East, said the TMD report.

Meanwhile, as a strong northeast monsoon prevails over the Gulf of Thailand, beach party revelers in Patong might do well to have umbrellas and raincoats on hand when they start their partying this evening.

All the publicity, negotiating, and final relocation of the Sydictive party in Patong will be for naught if the skies open up tonight, though if Thai custom is to be believed the organizers have one last hope: If they can find a virgin to plant a stem of lemon grass, they may prevent the deluge. But in Patong?