Monsoon mayhem: 32 provinces in for a ‘downpour’ of trouble

Heavy monsoon rains are expected to affect 32 provinces today, including Bangkok, with 70% of the area experiencing substantial rainfall. The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued warnings for potential flash floods and landslides.

Thailand is set to experience heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in the next 24 hours, with significant downpours anticipated in the northern, northeastern, central, eastern, and southern regions, including Bangkok and its surrounding areas. The TMD’s forecast highlights the continued influence of the southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, coupled with a low-pressure area over northern Vietnam.

Residents in these regions are advised to be cautious of heavy rain and accumulated precipitation, which could lead to flash floods and landslides, especially in mountainous areas and regions near waterways. The forecast also underscores the importance of vigilance for those in low-lying areas, said a TMD spokesperson.

“People in these areas should be on high alert for severe weather conditions. Heavy rain and accumulated rainfall could cause flash floods and landslides, particularly in hilly terrains and near watercourses.”

In the upper Andaman Sea, from Ranong upwards, the sea waves are expected to reach heights of 1-2 metres, and more than 2 metres in areas with thunderstorms. Mariners are urged to navigate with caution and avoid sailing in thunderstorm-prone areas.

In the northern region, thunderstorms are expected in 70% of the area, with heavy rain in some provinces including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun. Temperatures will range from 23-25°C for the minimum and 29-35°C for the maximum. The southwestern winds will blow at speeds of 5-15 km/h.

Thunderstorms

The northeastern region will see thunderstorms in 60% of the area, with heavy rain in provinces such as Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Chaiyaphum, and Nakhon Ratchasima. The temperatures are forecasted to be between 23-25°C for the minimum and 31-34°C for the maximum, with southwestern winds at speeds of 10-20 km/h.

In the central region, thunderstorms are expected in 70% of the area with heavy rain in some places such as Suphan Buri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, and Samut Sakhon. The temperatures will vary from 24-26°C for the minimum and 33-35°C for the maximum, with southwestern winds blowing at speeds of 10-20 km/h.

The eastern region will experience thunderstorms in 60% of the area with heavy rain in provinces like Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chanthaburi, and Trat. The temperatures are predicted to be between 23-26°C for the minimum and 30-34°C for the maximum, with southwestern winds at speeds of 15-30 km/h. The sea waves will be about 1 metre high and over 1 metre in areas with thunderstorms.

In the southern region (east coast), thunderstorms are expected in 40% of the area, particularly in provinces such as Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. The temperatures will range from 23-26°C for the minimum and 32-34°C for the maximum, with southwestern winds at speeds of 15-30 km/h. The sea waves will be about 1 metre high and over 1 metre in areas with thunderstorms.

The southern region (west coast) will have thunderstorms in 60% of the area, with heavy rain expected in Ranong, Phang Nga, and Phuket. The temperatures will be between 24-26°C for the minimum and 30-33°C for the maximum.

Heavy rain

The southwestern winds will blow at speeds of 15-35 km/h in areas from Ranong upwards, with sea waves reaching 1-2 metres and over 2 metres in areas with thunderstorms. In areas from Phang Nga downwards, the winds will be at speeds of 15-30 km/h, with sea waves about 1 metre high and over 1 metre in areas with thunderstorms.

In Bangkok and its vicinity, thunderstorms are expected in 70% of the area with heavy rain in some parts. The temperatures will vary from 24-26°C for the minimum and 32-34°C for the maximum, with southwestern winds blowing at speeds of 10-20 km/h.

The heavy monsoon conditions highlight the need for preparedness and caution as the rainy season continues to impact various regions across Thailand.