Heavy rain forecast for 51 Thai provinces, Bangkok on high alert

Today’s weather forecast warns of heavy rain across 51 provinces in Thailand, with Bangkok expected to be significantly affected. Citizens are advised to be cautious of potential flash floods and forest runoff.

The Meteorological Department of Thailand’s (TMD) 24-hour weather forecast for today, September 16, predicts heavy rain in certain areas, particularly in the northeast, east, and western parts of the south. This heavy rainfall, combined with accumulated precipitation, may result in flash floods and forest runoff, especially in hilly areas, near waterways, and low-lying regions.

The forecast attributes the severe weather to a monsoon trough moving across the northern and northeastern regions, merging with a low-pressure area over the central coast of Vietnam. This situation is exacerbated by a strong southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand.

In the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand, waves are expected to reach heights of 2 to 3 metres, with thunderstorms bringing waves over 3 metres. The lower Gulf of Thailand will see waves around 2 metres, rising above this level during thunderstorms.

Sailors in these areas are urged to navigate with caution and avoid sailing in stormy weather. Small boats in the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand should remain ashore during this period.

In the northern region, thunderstorms are expected in 60% of the area, with heavy rain in provinces such as Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun. Temperatures will range from 23 to 26 degrees Celsius (°C) at the lowest to 32 to 36 °C at the highest, with variable winds at 10 to 15 kilometres per hour (km/h).

Thunderstorms anticipated

In the northeastern region, thunderstorms are anticipated in 80% of the area, with very heavy rain in provinces including Loei, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani. Temperatures will be between 23 to 25 °C at the lowest and 30 to 34 °C at the highest, with variable winds at 10 to 20 km/h.

In the central region, thunderstorms are predicted in 60% of the area, with heavy rain in provinces like Nakhon Sawan, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Lopburi, Saraburi, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. The temperature will range from 24 to 26 °C at the lowest to 34 to 36 °C at the highest, with a southwest wind at 10 to 25 km/h.

In the eastern region, thunderstorms are forecasted in 70% of the area, with very heavy rain in provinces such as Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Temperatures will vary between 23 to 26 °C at the lowest and 30 to 33 °C at the highest. The southwest wind will blow at 20 to 40 km/h, with sea waves reaching 2 to 3 metres and over 3 metres in thunderstorm areas.

In the southern region (east coast), thunderstorms are expected in 70% of the area, with heavy rain in provinces like Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, and Yala. Temperatures will range from 23 to 25 °C at the lowest to 32 to 35 °C at the highest, with a southwest wind at 20 to 35 km/h. Sea waves will reach about 2 metres, rising above this level in thunderstorm areas.

In the southern region (west coast), thunderstorms are anticipated in 80% of the area, with very heavy rain in provinces including Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. Temperatures will vary between 23 to 25 °C at the lowest and 28 to 32 °C at the highest. The southwest wind will blow at 20 to 40 km/h, with sea waves reaching 2 to 3 metres and over 3 metres in thunderstorm areas.

In Bangkok and surrounding areas, thunderstorms are forecasted in 70% of the area, with heavy rain in certain locations. Temperatures will range from 24 to 26 °C at the lowest to 33 to 35 °C at the highest, with a southwest wind at 10 to 25 km/h.