Heavy rain and flash floods expected in 37 Thai provinces

Heavy rain is expected to hit 37 provinces across Thailand today, with the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warning of potential flash floods and sudden water surges, including in Bangkok. The forecast predicts that 60% of these areas will experience significant rainfall today and tomorrow.

The TMD issued a 24-hour weather forecast, indicating that the southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, upper Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand is strengthening. Additionally, a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam and the Gulf of Tonkin is contributing to the adverse weather conditions.

Thunderstorms and heavy rain are anticipated in the northern, upper northeastern, and eastern regions of Thailand. Residents in these areas, especially those near mountainous slopes, water flow paths, and low-lying areas, are advised to be vigilant as heavy rainfall could lead to flash floods and water surges. Caution is also urged for those travelling through the affected regions.

In the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, moderate winds and waves are expected. The upper Andaman Sea will see waves reaching 1 to 2 metres, with areas experiencing thunderstorms seeing waves over 2 metres. Mariners in these regions are advised to exercise caution and avoid navigating through thunderstorms.

The northern region is expected to have thunderstorms, covering 60% of the area, with heavy rain in some provinces, including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Tak, and Phetchabun. Temperatures will range from 24 to 26 degrees Celsius at the lowest and 33 to 36 degrees Celsius at the highest. Southwest winds will blow at speeds of 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.

Heavy rain

The northeastern region will experience thunderstorms in 40% of its area, with heavy rain in Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, and Mukdahan provinces. Temperatures will range from 24 to 27 degrees Celsius at the lowest and 33 to 37 degrees Celsius at the highest. Southwest winds will blow at speeds of 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.

In the central region, 40% of the area will have thunderstorms, particularly in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi provinces. Temperatures will range from 25 to 27 degrees Celsius at the lowest and 33 to 36 degrees Celsius at the highest. Southwest winds will blow at speeds of 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.

The eastern region will see thunderstorms in 60% of its area, with heavy rain expected in Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat provinces. Temperatures will range from 24 to 28 degrees Celsius at the lowest and 33 to 36 degrees Celsius at the highest. Southwest winds will blow at speeds of 15 to 30 kilometres per hour. The sea will have waves about 1 metre high and over 2 metres in thunderstorm areas.

In the southern region (eastern coast), 30% of the area will experience thunderstorms, particularly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Songkhla, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces. Temperatures will range from 24 to 28 degrees Celsius at the lowest and 34 to 36 degrees Celsius at the highest.

Southwest winds will blow at speeds of 15 to 30 kilometres per hour. The sea will have waves below 1 metre and about 1 metre offshore, with waves reaching 1 to 2 metres in thunderstorm areas.

In the southern region (western coast), 20% of the area will have thunderstorms, particularly in Ranong and Phang Nga provinces. Temperatures will range from 25 to 26 degrees Celsius at the lowest and 33 to 35 degrees Celsius at the highest.

Thunderstorm areas

Southwest winds will blow at speeds of 15 to 35 kilometres per hour in areas north of Ranong, with waves reaching 1 to 2 metres and over 2 metres in thunderstorm areas. In areas south of Phang Nga, southwest winds will blow at speeds of 15 to 30 kilometres per hour, with waves about 1 metre high and 1 to 2 metres in thunderstorm areas.

Bangkok and its surrounding areas will see thunderstorms covering 40% of the area. Temperatures will range from 26 to 28 degrees Celsius at the lowest and 34 to 36 degrees Celsius at the highest. Southwest winds will blow at speeds of 10 to 25 kilometres per hour, reported KhaoSod.

With significant rainfall expected in multiple regions, residents are urged to stay updated on weather conditions and take necessary precautions to ensure safety. The TMD continues to monitor the situation closely.