Heavy rainfall warnings for Thailand’s 54 provinces

Thailand is braced for heavy rainfall today as the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issues warnings for 54 provinces, including Bangkok, which faces a 60% chance of storms. The southern region is expected to be hit the hardest, with 70% of the area affected.

The TMD forecasted the weather for the next 24 hours, indicating that high-pressure systems or cold air masses would cover the northeastern region and the South China Sea, causing southeast winds to bring moisture from these areas into upper Thailand.

Consequently, while the country experiences hot weather during the day, particularly in the northern regions, thunderstorms are expected across the upper parts of Thailand, accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain in some areas. Residents in central Thailand, including Bangkok and surrounding provinces, as well as the eastern region, are advised to be cautious of thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy rain during this period.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation issued alerts for 26 provinces to prepare for heavy rainfall, flash floods, and forest runoff. A low-pressure cell over the lower Andaman Sea combined with easterly winds covering the Gulf of Thailand, the southern region, and the Andaman Sea is expected to result in heavy rain in some areas of the south.

People in these areas are urged to be vigilant. Sea conditions in the Gulf and the Andaman Sea will see waves below 1 metre but areas with thunderstorms could experience waves over 2 metres. Mariners are advised by the TMD to avoid sailing in stormy areas.

“The air quality in Thailand remains low in dust particle accumulation due to frequent rain and good ventilation.”

Regional updates

Northern region: Hot during the day with extremely hot conditions in some places. Thunderstorms are expected in 40% of the area, with strong winds in some places, particularly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, Phichit, and Phetchabun.

Temperatures range from 24 to 28 degrees Celcius at the lowest to 34 to 40°C at the highest. Southwesterly winds at 5 to 15 kilometres per hour (km/h).

Northeastern region: Hot during the day with thunderstorms in 60% of the area and strong winds in some places, especially in Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani.

Temperatures range from 24 to 27°C at the lowest to 34 to 36°C at the highest. Southeasterly winds at 10 to 20 km/h.

Central region: Hot during the day with thunderstorms in 60% of the area, strong winds, and some heavy rainfall, especially in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Songkhram.

Temperatures range from 26°C to 28°C at the lowest to 36°C to 38°C at the highest. Southeasterly winds at 10 to 20 km/h.

Thunderstorms

Eastern region: Thunderstorms are expected in 70% of the area with some heavy rain, particularly in Sa Kaeo, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat.

Temperatures range from 24°C to 28°C at the lowest to 31°C to 34°C at the highest. Southeasterly winds at 10 to 30 km/h. Sea waves below one metre, but over two metres in stormy areas.

Southern region (East Coast): Thunderstorms in 70% of the area with some heavy rain, especially in Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat.

Temperatures range from 23°C to 27°C at the lowest to 32°C to 36°C at the highest. Southeasterly winds at 10 to 30 km/h. Sea waves below 1 metre, but over 2 metres in stormy areas.

Southern Region (West Coast): Thunderstorms in 70% of the area with some heavy rain, particularly in Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun.

Temperatures range from 24°C to 27°C at the lowest to 32°C to 34°C at the highest. Southeasterly winds at 10 to 30 km/h. Sea waves below 1 metre, but over 2 metres in stormy areas.

Safety concerns

Bangkok and Surrounding Areas: Hot during the day with thunderstorms in 60% of the area, strong winds, and some heavy rain.

Temperatures range from 27°C to 29°C at the lowest to 33°C to 37°C at the highest. Southeasterly winds at 10 to 20 km/h.

The TMD advises everyone to stay updated on weather reports and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.