Thailand braces for heavy rain, strong winds as warnings issued

Weather warnings have been issued across Thailand, with the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) alerting residents to heavy rainfall in 28 southern provinces. The forecast predicts intense downpours that could lead to flash floods and landslides, while northern regions experience cooler temperatures and strong winds.

A high-pressure system originating from China is currently extending over the upper parts of Thailand and the South China Sea. This atmospheric condition is expected to bring cooler morning temperatures and a slight drop in temperatures by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius across the northeastern, northern, central, and eastern regions. Additionally, gusty winds are anticipated in these areas.

Meanwhile, a westerly wind wave moving in from Myanmar is impacting the western parts of northern Thailand, resulting in thunderstorms and sporadic strong winds. There is a 10-day forecast for accumulated rainfall with an emphasis on tracking the tropical storm Yinxing.

Residents in the upper part of the country are advised to take care of their health due to the fluctuating weather conditions. Farmers are particularly urged to prepare for potential adverse effects on their agricultural produce.

In the southern regions, a monsoon trough is positioned over the lower south, and a moderate northeast monsoon is affecting the Gulf of Thailand and the southern area. This situation is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall in certain areas of the south. Communities in these regions should remain vigilant for dangers associated with severe rain, which could lead to sudden flooding and forest runoff, especially in hilly areas near waterways and low-lying zones.

Mariners in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea should exercise caution as the seas exhibit moderate conditions, with waves reaching 1 to 2 metres high in the Gulf and approximately 1 metre in the Andaman Sea. In stormy weather, waves could exceed 2 metres, necessitating careful navigation and avoidance of areas with thunderstorms.

Heavy rain

The weather forecast from 6am today until 6am tomorrow, November 8, for northern Thailand includes cool morning temperatures with a 1 to 2 degrees Celsius drop. Thunderstorms are expected in 30% of the area, with strong winds in places such as Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Tak.

Temperatures will range from a minimum of 19 to 23 degrees Celsius to a maximum of 26 to 31 degrees Celsius. Mountainous areas will experience cold weather with lows of 8 to 14 degrees Celsius, accompanied by northeast winds at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.

In the northeastern region, residents can expect cool mornings with strong winds, and slight rain in certain parts, primarily in the lower section. Temperatures will vary between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius at the lowest and 28 and 32 degrees Celsius at the highest. Mountaintop temperatures will be cold, ranging from 13 to 15 degrees Celsius, with northeast winds at 10 to 30 kilometres per hour.

The central region will experience cool mornings and strong winds, with a slight drop in temperature and thunderstorms affecting 10% of the area, mainly in Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, and Nakhon Pathom. The temperature will range from a low of 22 to 23 degrees Celsius to a high of 30 to 32 degrees Celsius, with northeast winds at speeds of 10 to 25 kilometres per hour.

In the eastern region, mostly cloudy skies and strong winds are expected, with a minor temperature decrease and thunderstorms covering 20% of the area, primarily in Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. The sea will have waves approximately 1 metre high, reaching 1 to 2 metres further from the shore, with northeast winds at 15 to 35 kilometres per hour.

Southern Thailand (eastern coast) will witness thunderstorms across 70% of the area, with very heavy rain expected in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat.

Stormy conditions

Temperatures will range from 22 to 24 degrees Celsius at the lowest to 28 to 32 degrees Celsius at the highest, with northeast winds at 15 to 35 kilometres per hour. The sea will have waves 1 to 2 metres high, exceeding 2 metres in stormy conditions.

On the western coast, thunderstorms will occur in 40% of the area with heavy rain in Krabi, Phang Nga, Trang, and Satun. The temperature will range from 23 to 24 degrees Celsius at the minimum to 31 to 33 degrees Celsius at the maximum, with east winds at 15 to 30 kilometres per hour. The sea will have waves about 1 metre high, exceeding 2 metres in stormy weather, reported KhaoSod.

Bangkok and its vicinity will experience mostly cloudy skies with strong winds and thunderstorms affecting 10% of the area. Temperatures will range from a low of 24 to 25 degrees Celsius to a high of 31 to 33 degrees Celsius, with northeast winds at 10 to 25 kilometres per hour.