Thailand braces for heavy rain and storms, Bangkok on alert

Thailand is bracing for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, with particularly severe weather expected in Bangkok, the northeast, and the east. The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) has issued a warning today, July 10, advising caution amid forecasts of storms and heavy rain.

The TMD’s 24-hour forecast highlights that the southwest monsoon is currently covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the upper Gulf of Thailand. Additionally, the convergence of southwest and south winds is influencing the eastern regions and the Gulf of Thailand.

This combination of weather patterns is expected to result in thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in various areas across the country. Residents of affected regions are urged to be mindful of the dangers posed by the heavy and accumulated rainfall.

In the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, waves are reaching heights of around one metre. However, in areas experiencing thunderstorms, waves could exceed two metres. Boat operators are particularly advised to exercise extreme caution and avoid navigating in stormy conditions.

Northern Thailand is forecasted to experience thunderstorms in 40% of the area, primarily affecting the provinces of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Phayao, Phrae, Nan, Lamphun, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun. Temperatures in these regions will range from a low of 24 to 26 degrees Celcius (°C,) to a high of 33 to 36°C, with southwest winds ranging from 10 to 15 kilometres per hour (km/h).

In the northeast, 70% of the area is expected to face thunderstorms and some heavy rain, particularly in the provinces of Loei, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Yasothon, Buriram, and Ubon Ratchathani. The minimum temperature will be between 24 to 25°C, with a maximum of 32 to 34°C. The southwest winds in this region range from 10 to 20 km/h.

Heavy rain

Central Thailand will see thunderstorms covering 60% of the area, with heavy rains in some locations, especially in the provinces of Lopburi, Saraburi, Ayutthaya, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram, and Samut Sakhon. Temperatures will range from a minimum of 24 to 27°C to a maximum of 34 to 36°C, with southwest winds at 10 to 20 km/h.

In the east, thunderstorms are predicted for 60% of the area, with heavy rain expected in Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Chanthaburi, and Trat. The temperature will range from 24 to 28°C at the lowest to 32 to 35°C at the highest. Southwest winds range from 15 to 30 km/h. The sea in this region will have waves around 1 metre high, but in stormy areas, waves could exceed 2 metres.

Southern Thailand (east coast) will also experience thunderstorms in 60% of the area, with heavy rain in some places, particularly in the provinces of Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. The temperature will vary from a low of 23 to 26°C to a high of 32 to 35°C. Southwest winds range from 15 to 30 km/h, and the sea will have waves around 1 metre high, with stormy areas seeing waves exceeding 2 metres.

On the west coast of southern Thailand, 40% of the area will experience thunderstorms, mainly affecting the provinces of Ranong, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. The temperatures here will range from 24 to 26°C at the lowest to 32 to 34°C at the highest. Southwest winds will blow at speeds of 15 to 30 km/h, and the sea will have waves around 1 metre high, with waves exceeding 2 metres in stormy areas.

In Bangkok and its vicinity, thunderstorms are expected in 60% of the area, with some heavy rain. The temperature will range from a minimum of 26 to 28°C to a maximum of 33 to 35°C. Southwest winds range from 10 to 20 km/h.

The public is advised to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and take necessary precautions to ensure safety amid these weather conditions.