Thailand battered by heavy rains as monsoon drags on
Risk of flash floods and travel disruption heightens nationwide concern
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned of heavy rainfall across multiple regions, urging residents to brace for flash floods, runoff, and rough seas.
The warning, issued yesterday, highlights a monsoon trough stretching across the central, eastern, and lower northeastern regions into an active low-pressure system over the South China Sea. At the same time, the southwest monsoon prevailing over the Andaman Sea, the South, and the Gulf of Thailand is expected to strengthen.
According to the TMD, isolated heavy rainfall is likely across all regions, with Bangkok and surrounding provinces facing the risk of very heavy downpours. The department has cautioned residents living near foothills, waterways, and low-lying areas to prepare for sudden flooding and overflows.
Mariners have also been advised to exercise caution. In the upper Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand, waves are expected to reach around 2 metres, rising above 2 metres during thunderstorms. In the lower Andaman Sea, waves of 1 to 2 metres are forecast, with higher swells in storm-affected areas. All vessels are urged to avoid sailing during thunderstorms.
The TMD also confirmed that a tropical depression over the upper South China Sea has intensified into Tropical Storm Mitag. While the storm is forecast to make landfall in southern China between today, September 19, and tomorrow, September 20, it is not expected to approach Thailand. Nevertheless, travellers are advised to stay updated on regional forecasts.
The 24-hour outlook from 6pm yesterday, September 18, until 6pm today, September 19, is as follows:
In the north, scattered thundershowers with isolated heavy rain are expected in Tak, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun. Temperatures will range from 23 to 25°C at the lowest to 30 to 34°C at the highest, with variable winds between 5 and 15 km/h.
The northeast will see fairly widespread thundershowers, with heavy rain forecast for Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket and Ubon Ratchathani. Minimum temperatures will be 23 to 25°C and maximums between 31 and 34°C, with variable winds at 10 to 15 km/h.
In the central region, fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy rain are likely in Uthai Thani, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, Suphan Buri, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon and Nakhon Pathom. Temperatures will dip to 23 to 25°C and climb to 32 to 34°C, with variable winds at 10 to 15 km/h.
Eastern provinces can expect fairly widespread thundershowers, with some areas facing very heavy rainfall in Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat. Minimum temperatures will be 23 to 25°C, with highs between 29 and 34°C. Southwesterly winds of 20 to 35 km/h are expected, with sea waves reaching about 2 metres, rising higher during thunderstorms.
Along the South’s east coast, scattered thundershowers with isolated heavy rain are predicted for Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Yala and Narathiwat. Temperatures will range from 23 to 25°C to highs of 31 to 34°C. Southwesterly winds of 15 to 35 km/h are forecast, with sea waves around 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 2 metres offshore and above 2 metres during storms.
On the west coast, Ranong, Phang Nga, Trang and Satun will see scattered thunderstorms and isolated heavy rain. Lows will be 23 to 26°C, with highs between 28 and 33°C. From Phang Nga northwards, southwesterly winds will blow at 20 to 35 km/h, with waves of about 2 metres, rising higher in thundershowers. From Phuket southwards, winds of 15 to 35 km/h are expected, with waves 1 to 2 metres, exceeding 2 metres during storms, according to the TMD.
Bangkok and its surrounding areas are also forecast to experience fairly widespread thundershowers with isolated heavy to very heavy rain. Minimum temperatures are expected to be 24 to 25°C, rising to highs of 32 to 34°C, with southwesterly winds between 10 and 15 km/h.
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