Rain check: heavy downpours set to flood 43 provinces in Thailand

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued another warning for continuous heavy rainfall impacting 43 provinces, including Bangkok and southern regions, with 70% of the areas affected, posing risks of flash floods.

Today, the TMD forecasted 24-hour weather conditions, noting that easterly winds are bringing moisture from the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand to cover the lower northeastern region, the central region, including Bangkok and surrounding areas, and the eastern region. This weather pattern is causing heavy rainfall in some areas of the lower central region, Bangkok, and its vicinity, as well as the eastern region.

Additionally, a weak high-pressure system continues covering the upper northeastern region, resulting in cool morning temperatures. Residents in northern Thailand are advised to take care of their health due to these changing weather conditions, said a TMD spokesperson.

“We urge the public in the northern part of Thailand to maintain their health amidst these fluctuating weather conditions.”

The monsoon trough passing over the upper southern region is leading to very heavy rainfall in some areas. Residents in these regions should be on high alert for potential dangers from very heavy and accumulated rainfall, which could result in flash floods and forest runoff, especially in areas near slopes, watercourses, and low-lying regions.

Meanwhile, the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are experiencing weak wind waves, with waves below 1 metre. However, in areas with thunderstorms, waves can exceed 2 metres. Mariners should avoid sailing in areas with thunderstorms.

Heavy rainfall

The northern region will experience thunderstorms in 30% of the area, mostly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Lamphun, Tak, and Kamphaeng Phet provinces. The minimum temperature is expected to be between 22 and 25 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature will range from 31 to 35 degrees Celsius. Easterly winds are blowing at speeds of 10 to 15 kilometres per hour.

The northeastern region will have cool morning temperatures in the upper part, with thunderstorms in 10% of the area, mainly in Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces. The minimum temperature is forecasted to be between 21 and 25 degrees Celsius, with a maximum temperature of 32 and 34 degrees Celsius. Easterly winds are blowing at speeds of 10 to 25 kilometres per hour.

The central region will experience thunderstorms in 40% of the area, with heavy rainfall expected in Saraburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram, and Samut Sakhon provinces. The minimum temperature will range from 23 to 26 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature will be between 31 and 35 degrees Celsius. Easterly winds are blowing at speeds of 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.

The eastern region will have thunderstorms in 60% of the area, with heavy rainfall expected in Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat provinces. The minimum temperature will be between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius, with a maximum temperature of 31 to 34 degrees Celsius.

Easterly winds are blowing at speeds of 10 to 30 kilometres per hour. Waves in the sea will be below 1 metre, but in areas with thunderstorms, waves can exceed 2 metres.

The southern region (east coast) will experience thunderstorms in 70% of the area, with very heavy rainfall expected in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces. The minimum temperature will be between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius, with a maximum temperature of 29 and 34 degrees Celsius.

Variable winds are blowing at speeds of 10 to 30 kilometres per hour. Waves in the sea will be below 1 metre, but in areas with thunderstorms, waves can exceed 2 metres.

The southern region (west coast) will have thunderstorms in 70% of the area, with heavy rainfall expected in Ranong, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun provinces. The minimum temperature will be between 24 and 25 degrees Celsius, with a maximum temperature of 31 and 33 degrees Celsius.

Northwesterly winds are blowing at speeds of 10 to 30 kilometres per hour. Waves in the sea will be below 1 metre, but in areas with thunderstorms, waves can exceed 2 metres, reported KhaoSod.

Bangkok and its vicinity will experience thunderstorms in 70% of the area, with heavy rainfall expected in some areas. The minimum temperature will be between 25 and 26 degrees Celsius, with a maximum temperature of 32 and 34 degrees Celsius. Easterly winds are blowing at speeds of 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.