Tag Archives: rainy season in Chiang Mai

Bucket Brigade

^illustAC

This is a bit of exaggeration, but it was really pouring outside when I woke this morning to get ready to go to the gym. My windows started leaking, so the ‘bucket brigade’ started.

I ended up texting my son that I would be opting out of the workout this morning, having to monitor my leaks. I have rolled up towels all the way across the windows in my main living area, plus in my bedroom right now. I’m seeing which towels need to be wrung out into my bucket every few minutes.

It’s supposed to be nearing the end of the rainy season now. Apparently, Mother Nature hasn’t received the memo yet. It’s really coming down hard. Brian said he wouldn’t go to the gym, either, if the rain continued this hard. So far, he wasn’t having leaks in his place, thank goodness.

When the rainy season is definitely over (sometime in November, I think) work will begin on the exterior of our building. Repairs and repainting will happen then. Resealing my windows from the outside is on that list of things that are due to happen.

I’m hopeful that the NEXT “rainy season” I can just look out and think, “Wow, it’s raining hard,” rather than having to participate in it quite so much…

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Enjoying the Morning

Lori Maloy

I love this. Not only do I love the art work, I love the FEELING that surrounds me when I look at it. Peace, quiet, serenity, calm. Happy thoughts, good coffee, gathering pretty flowers, taking time to be thankful for it all….

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I am getting more used to “The Rainy Season” here in Chiang Mai.

“The rainy season in Chiang Mai generally lasts from May to October, with the heaviest rainfall typically occurring in August and September. While it is called the “rainy season,” the weather is not constantly wet; rather, it consists of short, heavy bursts of rain, often in the afternoon or evening.”

This rainy season has meant, many times, that if it doesn’t rain on us when we go out, it rains on us when we come back. I’m used to always carrying my umbrella and rain suit to be as prepared as possible.

THIS particular rainy season has meant the challenge of staying at the ready in my condo with bucket and towels to sop up water coming inside my leaking windows when the rain storm is very hard. This has happened only twice badly since I’ve been here, but the season has two more months to go before I can breathe a sigh of relief.

My son contacted the handyman who said that LOTS of work other than painting will happen soon, like resealing leaky windows! We’re are looking into the possibility of being able to add some type of canopies above our windows to be installed along with the resealing. This combination would make the NEXT rainy season a lot easier. 😁

You might question my sanity, in that I check the weather app on my phone sometimes more than once a day in order to find out what to expect. Like the U.S., the weather forecasts sometimes seem a suggestion or wish, rather than something on which you can rely. For example, the ‘heavy rain all day’ forecast here for today (causing me to hang my laundry INSIDE) was correct part of the morning, but the sun is shining brightly now, with no sign that will change any time soon…

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The Rainy Season

The rainy season in Chiang Mai typically spans from May to October, with the heaviest rainfall concentrated in August and September. While it’s often referred to as the “low season” due to increased rainfall, it also brings lush greenery, fewer crowds, and lower prices. 

Key aspects of the rainy season in Chiang Mai:

  • Timing:The rainy season starts around the second week of May, but the rain can sometimes arrive up to two weeks earlier. 
  • Rainfall:About 85% of Chiang Mai’s annual rainfall occurs during this period. 
  • Intensity:Rain tends to fall in the afternoon or evening, often in short, heavy bursts, rather than all-day downpours. 
  • Temperature:The temperature hovers around 30-33 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) and can cool down significantly after a downpour, providing some relief from the heat. 
  • Considerations:While the rainy season can offer a unique and beautiful experience, it’s important to be prepared for potential disruptions to outdoor activities and travel plans due to heavy rain and high humidity. 
  • Activities:Despite the rain, many activities can still be enjoyed, including exploring waterfalls, experiencing cultural festivals, and taking advantage of lower prices and fewer crowds. 
  • Preparation:Pack essentials like an umbrella, raincoat, waterproof shoes, and insect repellent, especially if you plan on spending time outdoors. 

It was absolutely POURING when I got up at 5 this morning. My inclination, after living in the states all my life, was to think the maybe Brian would call off going to the gym because of the rain. Then, when I was awake, I realized I was still thinking like a foreigner. Thai people take the rainy season in stride. Most things go on as usual. They might be delayed a bit, but no major changes. They are very prepared, with umbrellas, hats, rain suits, etc. and just go on with their day as usual.

Since we were going to the gym, my main concern was my carrier and everything in it getting soaked on our walk to and from the gym. I stuffed my key and sweat rag in one pocket and my phone in the other, carrying my rain suit.

Now the sun is shining, but the weather app is calling for heavy rains. I did my wash this morning and brought my drying rack inside, putting a sheet under it to catch any drips.

We don’t have anything on the schedule today. We shared a really nice breakfast (2 fried eggs, sliced sausage and sliced chicken with a dark juice) and will see each other for dinner.

I’m wearing a pair of my new silky shorts, looking forward to working on my owl puzzle, starting another drawing in my sketchbook, starting a new Lee Child book, playing on my computer a bit, and maybe taking a nap. I love it!

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