Thailand braces for severe weather with heavy rain and floods

Thailand braces for severe weather as The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) warns of heavy rainfall and potential flash floods across various regions. Citizens are advised to stay alert for sudden flooding and landslides, particularly in hilly and low-lying areas.

The TMD’s 24-hour forecast predicts intense monsoon activity affecting the northern regions and moving towards an area of low pressure in the upper northeastern part of the country. A strong southwest monsoon is also affecting the southern regions, including the Andaman Sea, and the Gulf of Thailand. Central and eastern regions are to expect similar severe weather patterns.

Such conditions are expected to bring substantial rainfall to many parts of Thailand, with particularly heavy downpours in the northern, eastern, and western southern regions.

Residents in these areas are urged to be cautious of the dangers posed by heavy and persistent rain, which could lead to flash floods and forest runoff, especially in mountainous areas and regions near watercourses.

The Andaman Sea’s upper part and the upper Gulf of Thailand are experiencing strong winds with waves reaching heights of 2 to 3 meters. In areas with thunderstorms, waves may exceed three meters.

The lower Andaman Sea has waves about 2 meters high, with higher waves in stormy areas. Mariners in these regions are advised to navigate carefully and avoid sailing in severe weather conditions. Small boats in the upper Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand are advised to remain ashore for now.

Regional updates

In the northern region, thunderstorms are expected in 80% of the area, with heavy to very heavy rain in some places, including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, Phichit, and Phetchabun. Temperatures will range from 24 to 26 degrees Celsius (°C) at the lowest and 31 to 34°C at the highest, with variable winds at speeds of 10 to 20 kilometres per hour (km/h).

The northeastern region will see thunderstorms in 70% of the area, with heavy rain in some locations, including Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani. Temperatures will range from 23 to 25°C at the lowest to 30 to 33°C at the highest, with variable winds at speeds of 10 to 20km/h.

In the central region, thunderstorms are expected in 70% of the area, with heavy rain in parts of Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. Temperatures will range from 23 to 26°C at the lowest and 32 to 33°C at the highest, with southwesterly winds at speeds of 10 to 25km/h.

The eastern region will experience thunderstorms in 80% of the area with heavy to very heavy rain in some parts, including Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Temperatures will range from 24 to 26°C at the lowest and 31 to 33°C at the highest, with southwesterly winds blowing at 20 to 40km/h. Waves in the sea will be 2 to 3 metres high, exceeding 3 metres in stormy areas.

In the southern region (eastern coast), thunderstorms will cover 60% of the area, with heavy rain in some locations, including Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, and Surat Thani. Temperatures will range from 24 to 25°C at the lowest and 31 to 35°C at the highest.

Southwest winds will blow at 20 to 35km/h from Surat Thani upwards, with waves about two meters high, exceeding two meters in stormy areas. From Nakhon Si Thammarat downwards, southwest winds will blow at 15 to 35km/h, with waves 1 to 2 metres high, exceeding 2 metres in stormy areas.

Southern rain

The southern region (western coast) will have thunderstorms in 60% of the area with heavy to very heavy rain in parts of Ranong, Phang Nga, and Phuket. Temperatures will range from 24 to 27°C at the lowest and 29 to 34°C at the highest.

Southwest winds will blow at 20 to 40km/h from Phuket upwards, with waves two to three meters high, exceeding three meters in stormy areas. From Krabi downwards, southwest winds will blow at 20 to 35km/h, with waves about 2 metres high, exceeding 2 metres in stormy areas.

Bangkok and its surrounding areas will have thunderstorms in 70% of the area, with heavy rain in some places. Temperatures will range from 25 to 26°C at the lowest and 32 to 34°C at the highest, with southwesterly winds at speeds of 10 to 25km/h.