Thailand weather: Heavy rainfall and storms in 57 provinces

Thailand faces severe weather, with heavy rain and thunderstorms across 57 provinces, particularly in the northeast and east regions, with rainfall expected in up to 80% of these areas. The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) forecasts severe weather conditions due to a strong monsoon trough.

The TMD predicted that Thailand will experience heavy rain and thunderstorms today, July 16. A powerful monsoon trough is passing through the north and entering a low-pressure area in the eastern part of the northeast.

Coupled with a strong southwest monsoon covering the south, east, and central Thailand, including the Andaman Sea, and the Gulf of Thailand, these conditions are expected to result in widespread thunderstorms and heavy rain in several areas.

Residents in the affected regions should be cautious of potential dangers from heavy to very heavy rainfall and accumulated precipitation, which could cause flash floods and runoff, particularly in foothill areas near waterways and low-lying areas.

The Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand will experience rough seas, with waves reaching 2 to 3 metres and more than 3 metres in areas with thunderstorms and harsh weather. In the lower Andaman Sea, waves are expected to be around 2 metres, exceeding 2 metres in thunderstorm areas.

Thailand’s mariners in these areas should exercise caution and avoid sailing in regions experiencing rough weather. Small boats in the upper Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand are advised to stay ashore.

Regional updates

The north will see thunderstorms in 70% of the area, with heavy rain expected in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Tak, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, Phichit, and Phetchabun. Temperatures will range from a low of 24°C to 27 degrees Celcius (°C) and a high of 29°C to 34°C, with variable winds ranging from 10 to 20 kilometres per hour (km/h).

The northeast will experience thunderstorms in 80% of the area, including heavy rain in Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Udon Thani, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani. Temperatures will range from 23°C to 25°C and a high of 27°C to 30°C, with variable winds ranging from 10 to 20 km/h.

The central region will have thunderstorms in 70% of the area, with heavy to very heavy rain in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. Temperatures will vary from 23°C to 26°C to a high of 28°C to 33°C, with southwest winds at 10 to 25 km/h.

The east will see thunderstorms in 80% of the area, with heavy to very heavy rain in Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Temperatures will range from 23°C to 27°C to a high of 28°C to 32°C, with southwest winds at 20 to 40 km/h. The sea will have waves of 2 to 3 metres, exceeding 3 metres in thunderstorm areas.

In the south (east coast), thunderstorms will occur in 60% of the area, with heavy rain in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, and Surat Thani. Temperatures will range from 23°C to 25°C to a high of 32°C to 35°C.

Surat Thani and above will experience southwest winds at 20 to 35 km/h, with waves around two metres, exceeding two metres in thunderstorm areas. From Nakhon Si Thammarat downwards, southwest winds will be 15 to 35 km/h, with waves of 1 to 2 metres, exceeding 2 metres in thunderstorm areas.

Southern rain

In the south (west coast), thunderstorms will affect 60% of the area, with heavy to very heavy rain in Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Krabi. Temperatures will range from 24°C to 27°C to a high of 29°C to 33°C.

From Phuket upwards, southwest winds will be 20 to 40 km/h, with waves of 2 to 3 metres, exceeding 3 metres in thunderstorm areas. From Krabi downwards, southwest winds will be 20 to 35 km/h, with waves around 2 metres, exceeding 2 metres in thunderstorm areas.

Bangkok and its vicinity will have thunderstorms in 70% of the area, with heavy rain in some places. Temperatures will range from 25°C to 27°C to a high of 30°C to 32°C, with southwest winds at 10 to 25 km/h.