The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has announced that the southwest monsoon may enter the southern parts of Myanmar between 13 and 18 May, the delta regions between 19 and 24 May, the central regions between 25 and 30 May, and the northern regions between 31 May and 5 June.
The early monsoon period in Myanmar begins from the time the southwest monsoon enters the country and lasts until the end of June. The late monsoon period starts on 1 September 2026 and continues until the southwest monsoon withdraws completely from the entire country. During both the early and late monsoon periods, low-pressure systems commonly form in the Bay of Bengal. Some of these low-pressure areas may intensify further and develop into tropical depressions or storms.
In various parts of Myanmar, during the pre-monsoon period starting this May, and before the arrival of the southwest monsoon, unstable atmospheric conditions are expected. As a result, cumulonimbus clouds may form during the afternoons and evenings each day. Due to these conditions, weather events such as strong winds, thunderstorms with gusty winds, lightning and thunder, hail, tornadoes, and scattered heavy showers may occur. During periods of strong winds, surface wind speeds may reach between 40 and 50 miles per hour, according to the advisory.
Recently, due to rising temperatures and the formation of convective cloud systems, some upper parts of Myanmar experienced unusually heavy rainfall and sudden strong winds. Some lower regions of Myanmar also experienced strong winds. Since natural disasters are experienced annually, there is no need for special preparations beyond normal precautionary living for residents. However, it is important not to neglect preparedness measures against unforeseen and unpredictable weather conditions.
According to weather forecasts, about two low-pressure systems may form over the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal. One of these may intensify further and develop into a tropical depression. Consequently, the southwest monsoon is expected to remain at a moderate strength. Scattered thunderstorms with rainfall around normal levels may occur in Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, Mandalay, Bago, Magway, Sagaing and Ayeyawady regions. In Lower Myanmar, Central Myanmar, and in Chin, Rakhine and Shan states, scattered thunderstorms are expected during the second week of May.
Due to high temperatures in summer, people have been hoping for rainfall with the arrival of the southwest monsoon to relieve the heat, and it is necessary to prepare in advance and take precautions during both the early and late monsoon periods in accordance with official announcements regarding natural disaster risks.
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