Assessment of CMIP3-CMIP5 Climate Models Precipitation Projection and Implication of Flood Vulnerability of Bangkok

Abstract

Reliable estimates of precipitation are essential for both research and practical applications. CMIP3 and CMIP5 climate simulations provide both historical simulations and future projections of extreme climate. The 2011 monsoon season was one of case studies with exceptionally heavy and led to extensive and long-lasting flooding in the Chao Phraya river basin, Thailand. Flooding was exacerbated by the rapid expansion of urban areas into flood plains and was the costliest natural disaster in the country’s history, with direct damages estimated at US$45 billion. The present paper focuses on the precipitation downscaling of CMIP3 and CMIP5 models. The majority of CMIP3 and CMIP5 models overestimate the dry spell (in June and July) and underestimate the peak precipitation (in May and September).