Batten down the hatches! Thailand braces for savage storms

Thailand is on high alert as the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) sounds the alarm for severe weather ahead. Expect torrential downpours, raging thunderstorms, and fierce winds to lash various regions, including the bustling capital, Bangkok. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and prepare for potential flash floods and landslides.

The TMD has forecasted that the upper part of Thailand will experience highly volatile weather over the next 24 hours. Thunderstorms, gusty winds, and heavy to very heavy rainfall are expected in the northern, northeastern, central, and eastern regions of the country, as well as in Bangkok and its surrounding areas.

This weather pattern is attributed to a moderate high-pressure system or cool air mass from China, which has already spread over upper Vietnam. It is expected to extend over Laos and the South China Sea today. Additionally, a monsoon trough lies across the upper north and the upper northeastern parts of Thailand, converging into a low-pressure cell over upper Laos.

Residents in the upper part of Thailand are urged to exercise caution due to the potential dangers posed by thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy rainfall. The accumulated rain could lead to sudden flash floods and forest runoff, particularly in foothill areas near waterways and low-lying regions.

People are advised to stay indoors, avoid sheltering under large trees or near weak advertising boards, and take care of their health during these changing weather conditions.

The southwest monsoon, which is of moderate strength, currently prevails over the Andaman Sea, southern Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. The sea conditions in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are moderate, with wave heights ranging from 1 to 2 metres, and over 2 metres in areas experiencing thunderstorms. Mariners in these regions should proceed with caution and avoid sailing in stormy areas.

Heavy rain

In northern Thailand, there is an 80% chance of thunderstorms, accompanied by gusty winds and heavy to very heavy rainfall in some areas, particularly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun.

The temperature is expected to range from 23 to 27 degrees Celsius at its lowest and from 30 to 34 degrees Celsius at its highest, with southwesterly winds blowing at 5 to 15 kilometres per hour.

In the northeastern region, there is also an 80% chance of thunderstorms and strong winds, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in some areas, 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 temperature will range from 22 to 26 degrees Celsius at its lowest and from 32 to 34 degrees Celsius at its highest, with southwesterly winds at 10 to 15 kilometres per hour.

Central Thailand is forecasted to have a 70% chance of thunderstorms and strong winds, with heavy rainfall expected in some areas, particularly in Uthai Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, and Kanchanaburi.

The temperature will range from 24 to 26 degrees Celsius at its lowest and from 33 to 35 degrees Celsius at its highest, with southwesterly winds at 10 to 15 kilometres per hour.

Thunderstorms

In the eastern region, there is a 70% chance of thunderstorms and strong winds, with heavy rainfall expected in some areas, including Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat.

The temperature will range from 24 to 27 degrees Celsius at its lowest and from 33 to 35 degrees Celsius at its highest, with southwesterly winds blowing at 15 to 30 kilometres per hour. The sea will have waves around 1 metre high, increasing to over 2 metres during thunderstorms.

The southern region (east coast) will experience a 40% chance of thunderstorms, mostly in Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat. The temperature will range from 24 to 26 degrees Celsius at its lowest and from 32 to 36 degrees Celsius at its highest, with southwesterly winds at 15 to 30 kilometres per hour. The sea will have waves around 1 metre high, increasing to over 2 metres during thunderstorms.

The southern region (west coast) will see a 60% chance of thunderstorms, mostly in Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. The temperature will range from 24 to 26 degrees Celsius at its lowest and from 32 to 34 degrees Celsius at its highest.

From Phuket upwards, southwesterly winds will blow at 15 to 35 kilometres per hour, with waves 1 to 2 metres high, increasing to over 2 metres during thunderstorms. From Krabi downwards, southwesterly winds will blow at 15 to 30 kilometres per hour, with waves around 1 metre high, increasing to over 1 metre during thunderstorms, reported KhaoSod.

Bangkok and its surrounding areas will have a 70% chance of thunderstorms and strong winds, with heavy rainfall expected in some areas. The temperature will range from 26 to 27 degrees Celsius at its lowest and from 33 to 35 degrees Celsius at its highest, with southwesterly winds at 10 to 15 kilometres per hour.