Thunderstorms in north Thailand, floods in Bangkok

The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a weather warning for thunderstorms in north Thailand until Friday. The met office expects temperatures to fall by up to 3 degrees Celsius and has cautioned residents to beware of big trees and unsafe advertising hoardings. The department advised farmers to prepare for crop damage.

Meanwhile, the weather in Bangkok turned from swelteringly suffocating on Tuesday to a devastating deluge yesterday.

The unseasonal thunderstorms in north Thailand dumped dangerously heavy rain across the city. Rainfall over 50 millimetres per hour is described as “violent.” At least 15 districts of Bangkok have been placed on flood alert.

Metropolitan Administration’s Flood Control Centre reported that Lat Krabang, home to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, recorded the highest rainfall with 62.5 millimetres.

Low to moderate rain is forecast in Bangkok and the surrounding provinces of Prachinburi, Nakhon Nayok and Chachoengsao until Friday.

The BMA said rain is expected in 60% of Bangkok and the surrounding regions, with strong winds in some areas. Temperatures will range from a minimum of around 24 degrees Celsius to a maximum of 32 degrees Celsius.

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has also issued a weather warning, this time for thunderstorms in upper Thailand until Friday. The TMD expects temperatures to fall by up to 3 degrees Celsius and has cautioned residents to beware of large trees and unsecured billboards. The department advised farmers to prepare against crop damage.

Areas covered by the flood warning for thunderstorms in north Thailand: Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Bangkok and vicinity, Buri Ram, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chonburi, Chumphon, Kamphaeng Phet, Kanchanaburi, Lampang, Lamphun, Lop Buri, Mae Hong Son, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Nan, Phayao, Phetchabun, Phetchaburi, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phrae, Prachinburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Sa Kaew, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Saraburi, Sing Buri, Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Surin, Tak, Tak, Trat, Uthai Thani, Uttaradit.

Wind and waves in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea will also rise until Sunday. Waves in the lower Gulf will reach 3 metres. Ships are advised to proceed with caution and avoid thundershowers.