Heavy monsoon rains and thunderstorms to hit Thailand regions

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has sounded the alarm for the eastern and southern regions, warning that heavy monsoons are on the horizon. With a staggering 60% to 70% chance of thunderstorms, locals are being advised to prepare for potential flash floods. While Bangkok braces for its own thunderous downpours, those in the northern and northeastern regions can expect a rather cool start to their mornings. As ever, keep those brollies at the ready!

TMD forecasts the weather for the next 24 hours, predicting that the high-pressure system or cool air mass covering upper Thailand and the South China Sea is weakening. This will allow easterly winds to cover the lower northeastern region, central region, eastern region, and the Gulf of Thailand, leading to increased rainfall in these areas.

The upper northeastern region and northern region will remain cool in the mornings. Residents in these areas are advised to maintain their health due to fluctuating weather conditions.

The monsoon trough passing through the central southern region will bring heavy rainfall in some areas. Residents of the southern region should stay alert for heavy rains and accumulated rainfall, which may cause flash floods and forest runoffs, especially in foothill areas near waterways and low-lying areas.

The waves in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand will be less than 1 metre high, reaching 1 to 2 metres in areas with thunderstorms. Mariners are advised to avoid sailing in thunderstorm-prone areas.

The northern region will experience thunderstorms in 10% of the area, mostly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, and Tak provinces. The minimum temperature will be 23 to 25°C, and the maximum temperature will be 32 to 35°C, with southeasterly winds at 10 to 15 kilometres per hour.

Heavy monsoons

The northeastern region will be cool in the mornings, with 30% of the area experiencing thunderstorms, mainly in Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces. The minimum temperature will be 20 to 24°C, and the maximum temperature will be 32 to 34°C, with northeasterly winds at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.

The central region will have thunderstorms in 40% of the area, mostly in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Suphan Buri, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram, and Samut Sakhon provinces. The minimum temperature will be 22 to 25°C, and the maximum temperature will be 32 to 35°C, with easterly winds at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.

The eastern region will experience thunderstorms in 60% of the area, with heavy rain in some parts, particularly in Sa Kaeo, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat provinces. The minimum temperature will be 23 to 26°C, and the maximum temperature will be 32 to 35°C, with easterly winds at 10 to 30 kilometres per hour. The sea will have waves less than 1 metre high, reaching 1 to 2 metres in thunderstorm areas.

The southern region (east coast) will have thunderstorms in 70% of the area, with heavy rain in some parts, particularly in Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces. The minimum temperature will be 23 to 24°C, and the maximum temperature will be 31 to 33°C, with variable winds at 10 to 30 kilometres per hour. The sea will have waves less than 1 metre high, reaching 1 to 2 metres in thunderstorm areas.

The southern region (west coast) will experience thunderstorms in 70% of the area, with heavy rain in some parts, particularly in Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun provinces. The minimum temperature will be 23 to 25°C, and the maximum temperature will be 31 to 34°C, with variable winds at 10 to 30 kilometres per hour. The sea will have waves less than 1 metre high, reaching 1 to 2 metres in areas with thunderstorms, reported KhaoSod.

Bangkok and its surrounding areas will experience thunderstorms in 40% of the area. The minimum temperature will be 25 to 26°C, and the maximum temperature will be 33 to 35°C, with easterly winds at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.