Weakening monsoon reduces rainfall across Thailand

Weather conditions today show a weakening monsoon, resulting in reduced rainfall across Thailand, though heavy rain persists in the northern regions. Bangkok experiences a 20% chance of rain. The Meteorological Department (TMD) forecast highlights these changes over the next 24 hours.

The TMD forecasts that the southwestern monsoon covering the upper Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand is weakening. This situation leads to a decrease in rainfall over most parts of the country. However, some northern regions continue to experience heavy rainfall. As for the sea conditions, the upper Andaman Sea sees less intense waves, around 1 to 2 metres high, but areas with thunderstorms may have waves exceeding 2 metres. Mariners are advised to navigate with caution and avoid stormy areas.

The northern region will see thunderstorms in 30% of the area, with heavy rain expected in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Tak provinces. Temperatures range from 24 to 26 degrees Celcius at the lowest to 33 to 35°C at the highest, with southwesterly winds blowing at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.

In the northeastern region, 10% of the area is predicted to experience thunderstorms, mainly in Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, and Chaiyaphum provinces. Temperatures here will range from 24 to 27°C at the lowest to 34 to 37°C at the highest, with southwesterly winds at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.

Central Thailand anticipates thunderstorms in 20% of the area, particularly in Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi provinces. The temperature is expected to be 24 to 28°C at the lowest and 36 to 37°C at the highest, accompanied by southwesterly winds at a speed of 10 to 25 kilometres per hour.

The eastern region will have thunderstorms in 30% of the area, mostly in Chanthaburi and Trat provinces. Temperatures here will vary from 25 to 29°C at the lowest to 33 to 36°C at the highest, with southwesterly winds at 15 to 30 kilometres per hour. The sea will have waves about 1 metre high, increasing to more than 1 metre in thunderstorm areas.

Other regions

In the southern region (eastern coast), 20% of the area will see thunderstorms, especially in Songkhla, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces. The temperatures are forecasted to be 24 to 27°C at the lowest and 35 to 37°C at the highest, with southwesterly winds blowing at 15 to 30 kilometres per hour. The sea waves are expected to be about 1 metre high, increasing to 1 to 2 metres offshore or in areas with thunderstorms.

The southern region (western coast) is also predicted to have thunderstorms in 20% of the area, particularly in Ranong and Phang Nga provinces. Temperatures range from 25 to 28°C at the lowest to 34 to 36°C at the highest. From Phang Nga upwards, southwesterly winds will blow at 15 to 35 kilometres per hour, and waves will be 1 to 2 metres high, exceeding 2 metres in thunderstorm areas. From Phuket downwards, southwesterly winds will be at 15 to 30 kilometres per hour, with sea waves about 1 metre high, increasing to more than 1 metre in thunderstorm areas.

Bangkok and its vicinity will experience thunderstorms in 20% of the area. The temperatures will range from 26 to 28°C at the lowest to 35 to 38°C at the highest, with southwesterly winds blowing at 10 to 25 kilometres per hour.

The overall weather trend indicates a weakening monsoon, leading to reduced rainfall in various parts of Thailand. However, certain regions, particularly in the north, will continue to face heavy rain. Mariners should exercise caution, especially in areas prone to thunderstorms, reported KhaoSod.