Stormy times: Thailand braces for thunderstorms, Bangkok to soak

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued another weather forecast, warning of thunderstorms in 53 provinces, with Bangkok expected to experience heavy rainfall in 70% of its area.

The TMD today, May 20, predicts a southwest wind covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand is gaining strength, while the area continues to experience hot weather during the day. This situation will lead to increased rain in Thailand, with some areas experiencing strong winds and heavy rain, particularly in the north, and central regions including Bangkok and its vicinity, the east, and the south.

Residents in the affected areas are advised to be cautious of thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy rain that may occur. In the Andaman Sea, waves are expected to rise to 1-2 metres, with stormy areas seeing waves higher than 2 metres. Mariners in these areas should exercise caution and avoid sailing in stormy conditions.

From tomorrow and the next five days the TMD predicts a low-pressure area over the lower Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify and move into the upper Bay of Bengal. This will cause increased rain in Thailand, with some areas experiencing very heavy rainfall, especially in the western parts of the North and Central regions and the western coast of the South.

The public is advised to be vigilant for heavy to very heavy rain and accumulated rainfall, which could lead to sudden flooding and flash floods, particularly in foothill areas near waterways and low-lying areas. Extra caution is also advised when travelling through stormy areas.

The Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand will experience stronger winds. The upper Andaman Sea will see waves reaching 2-3 metres, with stormy areas experiencing waves higher than 3 metres. The lower Andaman Sea will have waves around 2 metres, with stormy areas seeing waves over 2 metres.

Stormy seas

The Gulf of Thailand will have waves around 1 metre, with offshore waves reaching 1-2 metres and stormy areas seeing waves over 2 metres.

Upper Andaman Sea mariners should refrain from sailing, while those in the lower Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand should navigate with caution and avoid stormy areas.

Currently, the accumulation of dust and haze in Thailand is low due to widespread rain and good air ventilation.

In the northern region: Hot during the day, with thunderstorms in 60% of the area, accompanied by strong winds and some heavy rain in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Tak, and Kamphaeng Phet. Minimum temperature: 24-27°C; maximum temperature: 35-38°C. Southwest winds at 10-15 kilometres per hour.

In the northeastern region: Hot during the day, with thunderstorms in 40% of the area, accompanied by strong winds mostly in Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani. Minimum temperature: 24-27°C; maximum temperature: 33-37°C. Southwest winds at 10-20 kilometres per hour.

In the central region: Hot during the day, with thunderstorms in 60% of the area, accompanied by strong winds and some heavy rain in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Lopburi, Saraburi, Suphanburi, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Songkhram. Minimum temperature: 25-28°C; maximum temperature: 35-38°C. Southwest winds at 10-25 kilometres per hour.

Thunderstorms

In the eastern region: Thunderstorms in 70% of the area, accompanied by strong winds and some heavy rain in Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Minimum temperature: 27-28°C; maximum temperature: 32-36°C. Southwest winds at 15-30 kilometres per hour. The sea has waves around 1 metre, with stormy areas seeing waves over 2 metres.

In the southern region (east coast): Thunderstorms in 60% of the area, with some heavy rain in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Minimum temperature: 24-28°C; maximum temperature: 34-36°C. Southwest winds at 15-30 kilometres per hour. The sea has waves around 1 metre, with offshore waves around 1 metre and stormy areas seeing waves over 2 metres.

In the southern region (west coast): Thunderstorms in 70% of the area, with some heavy rain in Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. Minimum temperature: 26-28°C; maximum temperature: 32-35°C. Southwest winds at 15-35 kilometres per hour. The sea has waves 1-2 metres high, with stormy areas seeing waves over 2 metres.

In Bangkok and vicinity: Thunderstorms in 70% of the area, accompanied by strong winds and some heavy rain. Minimum temperature: 25-26°C; maximum temperature: 33-36°C. Southwest winds at 10-30 kilometres per hour.