Thailand braces for heavy rainfall and flash floods in 51 provinces

The Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather warning for 51 provinces, including Bangkok, forecasting heavy rainfall and advising caution against flash floods and forest runoffs.

Today, the TMD predicts strong monsoons will sweep through the upper northern and northeastern regions, impacting the pressure systems over the northern South China Sea.

The monsoon’s force, covering the Andaman Sea, southern regions, the Gulf of Thailand, central Thailand, and eastern Thailand, is expected to bring heavy rain across multiple areas, particularly in the north, east, and western parts of the south.

Residents in these regions are urged to be vigilant against severe rainfall and potential flash floods, especially those living in low-lying areas and near mountains.

The department’s 11th announcement warns of heavy rains tomorrow in 55 provinces. The seas in the upper Andaman and upper Gulf of Thailand will experience strong winds, with waves reaching 2 to 3 metres and exceeding 3 metres in thunderstorm areas.

In the lower Andaman Sea, waves will be around 2 metres, also higher in thunderstorm zones. Mariners in these areas should exercise caution and avoid sailing in stormy conditions. Small boats, particularly in the upper Andaman and upper Gulf of Thailand, are advised to stay ashore.

Heavy rainfall

Northern region: Thunderstorms will cover 70% of the area, with heavy rain expected in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Tak, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, and Phetchabun. Temperatures will range between 25 and 26°C minimum and 32 and 35°C maximum, with variable winds at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.

Northeastern region: 70% of the area will experience thunderstorms, with heavy to very heavy rain expected in Loei, Chaiyaphum, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani. Temperatures will range from 23 to 26°C minimum to 31 to 33°C maximum, with variable winds at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.

Central region: 60% of the area will see thunderstorms, with heavy rain in Nakhon Sawan, Lopburi, Saraburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. Temperatures will be between 24 and 26°C minimum and 32 and 35°C maximum, with southwesterly winds at 10 to 25 kilometres per hour.

Eastern region: Thunderstorms are expected in 80% of the area, with very heavy rain in Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Temperatures will range from 26 to 28°C minimum to 30 to 33°C maximum, with southwesterly winds at 20 to 40 kilometres per hour. The sea will have waves of 2 to 3 metres, exceeding 3 metres in thunderstorm areas.

Southern region (East Coast): 60% of the area will have thunderstorms, with heavy rain in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Chumphon. Temperatures will be between 23 and 25°C minimum and 30 and 34°C maximum. From Surat Thani upwards, southwesterly winds will blow at 20 to 35 kilometres per hour, with the sea having waves around 2 metres, higher in thunderstorm zones. From Nakhon Si Thammarat downwards, winds will be southwesterly at 15 to 35 kilometres per hour, with waves of 1 to 2 metres, higher in thunderstorm areas.

Southern region (West Coast): Thunderstorms will cover 70% of the area, with very heavy rain in Ranong, Phang Nga, and Phuket. Temperatures will range from 24 to 25°C minimum to 28 to 32°C maximum. From Phuket upwards, southwesterly winds will be at 20 to 40 kilometres per hour, with the sea having waves of 2 to 3 metres, higher in thunderstorm areas. From Krabi downwards, winds will be southwesterly at 20 to 35 kilometres per hour, with waves around two metres, higher in thunderstorm zones, reported KhaoSod.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: 70% of the area will experience thunderstorms with some heavy rain. Temperatures will range between 26 and 28°C minimum and 32 and 35°C maximum, with southwesterly winds at 10 to 25 kilometres per hour.