Heavy rain warning issued for 35 provinces in Thailand

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for heavy rain, predicting a high probability of rainfall across 80% of the northern and central regions of Thailand, impacting 35 provinces. Bangkok is also expected to experience significant weather conditions, with risks of sudden flooding and forest runoff.

Today, May 24, the TMD forecasted the weather for the next 24 hours. The southwest monsoon currently covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand is relatively strong. Additionally, a low-pressure area is covering the central region and the Gulf of Tonkin.

This weather pattern is causing heavy rain in certain areas of Thailand. Residents in these regions are advised to be cautious of the dangers of heavy and accumulated rainfall, which could lead to sudden flooding and forest runoff. Special caution is advised for those living near mountainous slopes, water flow pathways, and low-lying areas. Travellers should also exercise extra caution when passing through areas experiencing thunderstorms.

The Andaman Sea is experiencing relatively strong winds, with the upper part of the sea having waves as high as two to three metres. In areas with thunderstorms, waves can exceed 3 metres. The TMD issued its eighth announcement, indicating which provinces will be affected by today’s heavy to very heavy rainfall.

The lower part of the Andaman Sea will have waves around one to two metres high, with thunderstorms causing waves higher than two metres. The Gulf of Thailand will see waves about 1 metre high, increasing to 1 to 2 metres in areas away from the shore, and more than 2 metres in areas with thunderstorms.

Mariners in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are advised to navigate with caution and avoid sailing in areas with thunderstorms. Specifically, mariners in the upper Andaman Sea should refrain from going offshore from May 24 to May 26, 2024.

Low-pressure

Additionally, a strong low-pressure area in the lower part of the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a depression from May 24 to May 25, 2024, and is likely to move ashore in the northeastern part of India and Bangladesh from May 25 to May 26, 2024.

The weather forecast for Thailand from 6am today to 6am tomorrow indicates thunderstorms in 80% of the northern region, with heavy rain expected in some areas, including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, and Tak provinces. The temperature will range from 23-26 degrees Celsius at its lowest to 31-34 degrees Celsius at its highest, with southwesterly winds at speeds of 10-15 kilometres per hour.

The northeastern region will have thunderstorms in 70% of the area, with heavy rain expected in some provinces like Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, and Nakhon Ratchasima. Temperatures will range from 24-26 degrees Celsius at their lowest to 31-34 degrees Celsius at their highest, with southeasterly winds at speeds of 10-20 kilometres per hour.

The central region will see thunderstorms in 80% of the area, with heavy rain expected in provinces like Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Songkhram. Temperatures will range from 24-26 degrees Celsius at their lowest to 32-35 degrees Celsius at their highest, with southwesterly winds at speeds of 10-25 kilometres per hour.

The eastern region will experience thunderstorms in 70% of the area, with heavy rain in provinces like Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Temperatures will range from 25-26 degrees Celsius at their lowest to 32-34 degrees Celsius at their highest, with southwesterly winds at speeds of 15-35 kilometres per hour. The sea will have waves 1 to 2 metres high, with waves exceeding two metres in areas with thunderstorms.

The southern region (eastern coast) will have thunderstorms in 30% of the area, with heavy rain in provinces like Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Chumphon. Temperatures will range from 24-26 degrees Celsius at their lowest to 33-37 degrees Celsius at their highest, with southwesterly winds at speeds of 15-30 kilometres per hour.

Thunderstorms

The sea will have waves about 1 metre high, increasing to 1 to 2 metres offshore and more than 2 metres in areas with thunderstorms.

The southern region (western coast) will experience thunderstorms in 40% of the area, with heavy rain expected in Ranong province. Temperatures will range from 24-25 degrees Celsius at their lowest to 34-36 degrees Celsius at their highest.

From Ranong upwards, southwesterly winds will blow at speeds of 20-35 kilometres per hour, with waves 2 to 3 metres high and more than 3 metres in areas with thunderstorms. From Phang Nga downwards, southwesterly winds will blow at speeds of 15-35 kilometres per hour, with waves 1 to 2 metres high and more than 2 metres in areas with thunderstorms.

Bangkok and its vicinity will have thunderstorms in 70% of the area, with heavy rain in some places. Temperatures will range from 26-27 degrees Celsius at their lowest to 33-35 degrees Celsius at their highest, with southwesterly winds at speeds of 10-25 kilometres per hour.