Heavy rainfall warning issued across 56 Thai provinces

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for heavy rainfall across 56 provinces in Thailand today, affecting 70% of the area, including Bangkok. The public is advised to be cautious of potential flash floods and sudden water surges.

The TMD forecasts 24 hours of intense weather conditions due to a strong southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, combined with a monsoon trough passing through the northern and upper northeastern regions into a low-pressure area over the northern coast of Vietnam.

This weather pattern is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall in many areas, particularly in the northeastern, eastern, and western southern regions.

Residents in these areas should be vigilant of the dangers associated with heavy rainfall and accumulated precipitation, which could lead to flash floods and rapid water runoff, especially in low-lying areas and near mountainous slopes.

Increased caution is also advised when travelling through areas experiencing thunderstorms.

The Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand will experience relatively strong winds and waves. The Andaman Sea will see waves reaching heights of two to three metres, with areas experiencing thunderstorms seeing waves exceeding 3 metres. The upper Gulf of Thailand will encounter waves around 2 metres high, with stormy regions experiencing higher waves.

Regional updates

In the northern region, 70% of the area will see thunderstorms, with heavy to very heavy rain expected in some provinces, including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Uttaradit, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, and Tak. Temperatures will range from 23 to 25 degrees Celsius at the lowest to 31 to 34°C at the highest, with southwesterly winds blowing at speeds of 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.

The northeastern region will experience thunderstorms in 80% of the area, with heavy to very heavy rainfall in provinces such as Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Amnat Charoen, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani. Temperatures will range from 23 to 24°C at the lowest to 30 to 32°C at the highest, with southwesterly winds at speeds of 10 to 20 km/h

The central region will witness thunderstorms in 60% of the area, with some areas experiencing heavy rainfall. Affected provinces include Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Lopburi, and Saraburi. Temperatures will range from 24 to 27°C at the lowest to 32 to 34°C at the highest, with southwesterly winds blowing at speeds of 10 to 25 km/h.

In the eastern region, 70% of the area will see thunderstorms, with some areas experiencing heavy to very heavy rain. Provinces such as Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat will be affected. Temperatures will range from 24 to 28°C at the lowest to 27 to 33°C at the highest, with southwesterly winds blowing at speeds of 20 to 35 km/h. The sea will have waves around 2 metres high, and stormy areas will see waves higher than 2 metres.

In the southern region (eastern coast), 40% of the area will have thunderstorms with some areas experiencing heavy rain. Affected provinces include Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Phatthalung. Temperatures will range from 23 to 28°C at the lowest to 32 to 34°C at the highest.

From Surat Thani upwards, southwesterly winds will blow at speeds of 20 to 35 km/h, with the sea seeing waves around 2 metres high and stormy areas experiencing higher waves. From Nakhon Si Thammarat downwards, southwesterly winds will blow at speeds of 15 to 35 km/h, with the sea seeing waves of 1 to 2 metres high and stormy areas experiencing higher waves.

Strong winds

In the southern region (western coast), 80% of the area will have thunderstorms with some areas experiencing heavy to very heavy rain. Affected provinces include Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, and Trang. Temperatures will range from 23 to 25°C at the lowest to 28 to 32°C at the highest, with southwesterly winds blowing at speeds of 20 to 40 kp/h. The sea will have waves around two to three metres high, and stormy areas will see waves higher than 3 metres.

Bangkok and its vicinity will see thunderstorms in 70% of the area, with some areas experiencing heavy rainfall. Temperatures will range from 26 to 27°C at the lowest to 32 to 35°C at the highest, with southwesterly winds blowing at speeds of 10 to 25 kp/h.

The TMD urges the public to remain alert and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during this period of adverse weather conditions.