Monsoon rains to hit 39 provinces in Thailand, flash flood warnings

Heavy monsoon rains are expected to lash 39 provinces across Thailand, with severe weather warnings issued for potential flash floods and runoff. Bangkok is also bracing for significant rainfall, with 70% of the area anticipated to be affected.

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) forecast for the next 24 hours indicates that a monsoon trough is moving through Myanmar and northern Laos, heading towards a low-pressure area over northern Vietnam. Additionally, a moderate southwest monsoon continues to cover the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand.

This weather pattern will result in decreased overall rainfall in Thailand, though heavy rain is still expected in some areas of the north, northeast, and east.

Residents in these regions are urged to remain vigilant for potential dangers from heavy rain and accumulated rainfall, which could lead to sudden flooding and forest runoff, especially in foothill areas near waterways and low-lying regions. Extra caution is advised for those travelling through areas with thunderstorms.

In the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand, waves are expected to reach heights of 1-2 meters, and over 2 meters in areas with thunderstorms. Mariners in these areas are advised to exercise caution and avoid sailing in thunderstorm-affected areas.

Thunderstorms

The northern region will experience thunderstorms covering 60% of the area, with heavy rain in some locations, including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Tak, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun. Temperatures will range from 24-26°C to 29-35°C, with southwest winds blowing at 10-25 km/h.

In the northeast, thunderstorms are also expected to cover 60% of the area with heavy rain in some parts, particularly in Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Kalasin, Mukdahan, and Ubon Ratchathani. Temperatures will range from 23-26°C to 30-34°C, with southwest winds at 10-25 km/h.

Central Thailand is forecast to have thunderstorms in 60% of the area, mostly in Nakhon Sawan, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Lopburi, and Saraburi. Temperatures will range from 24-27°C to 32-34°C, with southwest winds at 10-25 km/h.

The eastern region will have thunderstorms in 70% of the area, with heavy rain in some parts, particularly in Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Temperatures will range from 24-27°C to 30-34°C, with southwest winds at 15-35 km/h. The sea will have waves of 1-2 meters and over 2 meters in areas with thunderstorms.

In the southern region (east coast), thunderstorms will cover 60% of the area, mostly in Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Temperatures will range from 23-26°C to 32-35°C. For areas from Surat Thani upwards, southwest winds will blow at 15-35 km/h with 1-2 metre waves and over 2 metres in thunderstorm areas.

From Nakhon Si Thammarat downward, southwest winds will blow at 15-30 km/h, with about 1-metre waves, and higher waves offshore and in thunderstorm areas.

Heavy rain

The southern region (west coast) will also have thunderstorms in 60% of the area, with heavy rain in some parts, particularly in Ranong, Phang Nga, and Phuket. Temperatures will range from 23-25°C to 31-35°C, with southwest winds at 15-35 km/h. The sea will have waves of 1-2 metres and over 2 metres in thunderstorm areas.

Bangkok and its surrounding areas will experience rain or thunderstorms in 70% of the area. Temperatures will range from 27-28°C to 33-34°C, with southwest winds at 10-25 km/h.

The TMD urges the public to stay alert for updates and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during this period of severe weather, reported KhaoSod.