Raining on Bangkok’s parade: An 80% chance of downpour

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for severe weather across Thailand, predicting heavy rains in 80% of Bangkok and surrounding areas, with a high risk of flash floods and landslides.

The TMD forecasts that the upper regions of Thailand will experience unstable weather conditions over the next 24 hours. Thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy rain are expected in some north and northeast areas. The central region, including Bangkok and its vicinity, as well as the east, will also see heavy rainfall in certain areas.

This weather pattern is due to a moderate high-pressure system or cool air mass from China spreading over the eastern parts of the north and northeast. It is anticipated to cover the north, northeast, and the South China Sea today. Additionally, a monsoon trough is moving across the lower north, upper central, and northeast regions.

Residents in the upper regions of Thailand are advised to exercise caution due to thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy to very heavy rainfall, which may result in flash floods and landslides. This is particularly relevant for those living near mountain slopes, waterways, and low-lying areas. It is recommended to avoid open spaces, large trees, and weak billboards, and to take care of health due to the changing weather conditions.

The moderate southwest monsoon prevailing over the Andaman Sea, the South, and the Gulf of Thailand will cause moderate wind and wave conditions. The upper Andaman Sea will see waves reaching heights of 1 to 2 metres, and over 2 metres in stormy areas.

Mariners in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand should proceed with caution and avoid sailing in areas with thunderstorms.

Heavy rain

In the north, 80% of the area will experience thunderstorms with strong winds and heavy to very heavy rainfall in some places, including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun. The minimum temperature will range from 22 to 24°C, while the maximum temperature will be between 29 and 33 °C. Southeast winds will blow at 5 to 15 kilometres per hour.

In the northeast, 70% of the area will have thunderstorms with strong winds and heavy to very heavy rainfall in some places, including Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani. The minimum temperature will range from 22 to 26°C, while the maximum temperature will be between 32 and 34 °C. Variable winds will blow at 10 to 15 kilometres per hour.

In the central region, 80% of the area will have thunderstorms with strong winds and heavy to very heavy rainfall in some places, including Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Lop Buri, Sing Buri, Saraburi, Suphan Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Songkhram. The minimum temperature will range from 25 to 26°C, while the maximum temperature will be between 33 and 35 °C. Variable winds will blow at 10 to 15 kilometres per hour.

In the east, 70% of the area will experience thunderstorms with strong winds and heavy rainfall in some places, including Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. The minimum temperature will range from 25 to 28°C, while the maximum temperature will be between 31 and 34°C. Southwest winds will blow at 15 to 30 kilometres per hour. The sea will have waves up to 1 metre high, and over 2 metres in stormy areas.

In the south (east coast), 40% of the area will have thunderstorms, especially in Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat. The minimum temperature will range from 24 to 27°C, while the maximum temperature will be between 33 and 35°C. Southwest winds will blow at 15 to 30 kilometres per hour. The sea will have waves up to 1 metre high, and over 2 metres in stormy areas.

In the south (west coast), 60% of the area will have thunderstorms, especially in Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. The minimum temperature will range from 24 to 26°C, while the maximum temperature will be between 30 and 33°C. From Phuket and northward, southwest winds will blow at 15 to 35 kilometres per hour, with waves reaching 1 to 2 metres high, and over 2 metres in stormy areas.

From Krabi southward, southwest winds will blow at 15 to 30 kilometres per hour, with waves up to 1 metre high, and over 1 metre in stormy areas, reported KhaoSod.

Bangkok and its vicinity will experience thunderstorms in 80% of the area with strong winds and heavy rainfall in some places. The minimum temperature will range from 25 to 26°C, while the maximum temperature will be between 32 and 34°C. Southwest winds will blow at 10 to 15 kilometres per hour.