Stormy weather forecast: Thailand braces for a ‘rain’ of trouble

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning for potential severe weather conditions affecting 28 provinces, with the southern region facing heavy to very heavy rainfall that could lead to flash floods and forest runoff. Meanwhile, cooler temperatures are expected in northern Thailand.

A high-pressure system, originating from China, is currently covering the upper regions of Thailand and the South China Sea. This meteorological pattern is bringing cooler morning temperatures to these areas, with a slight decrease expected in the northeast. Additionally, a westerly wind wave from Myanmar is moving across the upper northern region, combined with a southeasterly wind at higher altitudes over the upper part of Thailand.

These conditions are contributing to scattered rain and thunderstorms across the upper north, lower central, and eastern regions. Residents in northern Thailand are advised to take precautions due to the fluctuating weather, and farmers are encouraged to prepare for potential impacts on agricultural production.

The monsoon trough is passing over the southern lower part of the country into a low-pressure cell in the lower South China Sea, while a moderate northeast monsoon continues to cover the upper Gulf of Thailand and the upper southern region, resulting in significant rainfall, said a TMD spokesperson.

“Residents in the affected areas should be cautious of the dangers posed by heavy to very heavy rain and accumulated rainfall, which may trigger flash floods and forest runoff, particularly in foothill areas near waterways and low-lying regions.”

The Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea are experiencing moderate wind conditions, with wave heights reaching 1 to 2 metres in the Gulf and about 1 metre in the Andaman Sea. Thunderstorms may cause waves to exceed 2 metres. Mariners in these areas should exercise caution and avoid sailing in thunderstorm-prone zones.

Heavy rainfall

The weather forecast for Thailand, from 6am today to 6am tomorrow, indicates cool mornings in the north with scattered rain or thunderstorms affecting 20% of the area, primarily in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, and Nan. Temperatures are expected to range from a low of 20 to 24°C to a high of 23 to 33°C, with mountain tops experiencing cold weather and temperatures as low as 8 to 15°C. Easterly winds are expected at 10 to 15 kilometres per hour.

In the northeastern region, cooler mornings are anticipated, with temperatures dropping slightly. The forecast predicts lows of 18 to 22°C and highs of 29 to 33°C, with mountaintops experiencing cool to cold conditions at temperatures between 11 and 16°C. Northeast winds are expected at speeds of 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.

The central region will see cool mornings with isolated rain or thunderstorms affecting 10% of the area, mainly in Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, and Nakhon Pathom. Temperatures will range from 22 to 25°C to 30 to 33°C, with northeast winds at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.

Eastern areas are forecast to have isolated rain or thunderstorms covering 10% of the area, mainly in Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat, with temperatures ranging from 23 to 25°C to 32 to 34°C. Northeast winds will blow at 15 to 35 kilometres per hour, with sea waves reaching about 1 metre and 1 to 2 metres offshore. Thunderstorms may cause waves to exceed 2 metres.

In the southern region (east coast), thunderstorms are expected in 70% of the area, with heavy to very heavy rainfall in some areas, including Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Temperatures will range from 22 to 24°C to 29 to 33°C, with northeast winds at 15 to 35 kilometres per hour and wave heights of 1 to 2 metres. Thunderstorms may cause waves to exceed 2 metres.

The southern region (west coast) expects thunderstorms in 60% of the area, with some areas experiencing heavy rain, including Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. Temperatures will range from 23 to 25°C to 32 to 34°C, with easterly winds at 15 to 30 kilometres per hour and wave heights of about 1 metre. Thunderstorms may cause waves to exceed 2 metres, reported KhaoSod.

In Bangkok and its vicinity, isolated rain or thunderstorms are expected in 10% of the area, with temperatures ranging from 24 to 26°C to 31 to 33°C. Northeast winds are expected at speeds of 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.