Rain check: Thailand braces for a monsoon downpour and flooding

Get out the brollies and waterproofs, the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning of heavy rainfall and potential flooding in 49 provinces across Thailand due to a monsoon. The TMD forecasts rain in 70% of the affected areas, advising caution against flash floods and landslides.

A weather forecast for the next 24 hours indicates that a monsoon trough will move across the upper northern region of Thailand and upper Laos, extending into a low-pressure area over northern Vietnam and the Gulf of Tonkin.

Concurrently, the southwesterly monsoon continues to cover the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. These conditions are expected to bring heavy rain to the northern, upper northeastern regions, Bangkok and its vicinity, the eastern region, and the southern region.

Residents in these areas are urged to stay vigilant against heavy rainfall and accumulated rain, which could lead to flash flooding and water runoff, particularly in foothill areas near waterways and low-lying regions, warned the TMD.

“The Meteorological Department warns of a monsoon bringing sustained heavy rain. Residents should be prepared for flash floods and landslides.”

In the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, waves are predicted to reach approximately 1 metre in height, with waves exceeding 2 metres in thunderstorm areas. Mariners are advised to navigate with caution and avoid sailing in areas experiencing thunderstorms.

Thunderstorms expected

In the northern region: Thunderstorms are expected in 70% of the area, with heavy rain in some locations, including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Tak, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun. Minimum temperatures will range from 24 to 27 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures between 33 and 37 degrees Celsius. Southwesterly winds of 5-15 kilometres per hour (km/h) are expected.

In the northeastern region: Thunderstorms are forecasted for 70% of the area, with some regions experiencing heavy rain, such as Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Chaiyaphum, and Nakhon Ratchasima. Temperatures will range from 24 to 26 degrees Celsius at night and will peak between 31 and 36 degrees Celsius during the day. Southwesterly winds of 10-20 km/h are expected.

In the central region: Thunderstorms are anticipated in 60% of the area, particularly in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Lopburi, Saraburi, Samut Songkhram, and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Minimum temperatures will be between 26 and 27 degrees Celsius, while maximum temperatures will range from 34 to 37 degrees Celsius. Southwesterly winds of 10-25 km/h are expected.

In the eastern region: Thunderstorms are likely in 60% of the area, with heavy rain in some locations, including Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Temperatures will range from 25 to 27 degrees Celsius at night and will rise to between 33 and 36 degrees Celsius during the day. Southwesterly winds of 15-30 km/h are expected. Waves are predicted to be about 1 metre high, with waves exceeding 2 metres in thunderstorm areas.

In the southern region (East Coast): Thunderstorms are forecasted in 60% of the area, with some regions experiencing heavy rain, such as Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Yala, and Narathiwat. Minimum temperatures will range from 23 to 27 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures between 33 and 37 degrees Celsius. Southwesterly winds of 15-30 km/h are expected. Waves are predicted to be about 1 metre high, with waves exceeding 2 metres in thunderstorm areas.

Heavy rain

In the southern region (West Coast): Thunderstorms are anticipated in 70% of the area, with some regions experiencing heavy rain, including Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. Minimum temperatures will range from 24 to 26 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius. Southwesterly winds of 15-30 km/h are expected. Waves are predicted to be about 1 metre high, with waves exceeding 2 metres in thunderstorm areas.

Bangkok and vicinity: Thunderstorms are expected in 60% of the area, with heavy rain in some locations, mainly in the afternoon and evening. Minimum temperatures will range from 26 to 28 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures between 35 and 36 degrees Celsius. Southwesterly winds of 10-25 km/h are expected.

The TMD advises all residents to stay updated on weather reports and to exercise caution during this period of intense weather conditions.