Thailand braces for rainy season

BANGKOK, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's weather agency on Friday announced that the country's rainy season begins next Monday and will last until mid-October.

The Meteorological Department said light rain could be expected between late June and mid-July. Farmers outside irrigation zones may suffer from water insufficiency. Stronger downpours will take place in August and September.

Cloudy skies and intermittent showers are seen this week in some parts of the country.

Thailand has recorded the highest temperature in the history of northern provinces, with the mercury hitting 44.2 degrees Celsius in Lampang Province in April.

Rainy season in the tropical country typically begins from May and last until October.