Stormy skies ahead: Thailand’s TMD issues heavy rain alert

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather warning for 36 provinces, forecasting thunderstorms and heavy rainfall with Bangkok experiencing the heaviest rainfall, affecting 60% of the area.

The TMD predicts weather conditions for the next 24 hours, highlighting the impact of the southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, combined with a low-pressure area over northern Vietnam.

This weather pattern will result in thunderstorms in some parts of Thailand, with heavy rainfall expected in the northern and northeastern regions. Residents in these areas are advised to be cautious of potential hazards due to heavy and accumulated rainfall and to exercise extra caution when travelling through storm-affected areas.

The TMD‘s ten-day rain forecast indicates the need for vigilance against heavy rain, flooding, and flash floods.

Moderate wind and wave conditions are expected in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The upper Andaman Sea will experience waves of 1 to 2 metres high, with waves exceeding 2 metres in thunderstorm areas.

In the lower Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, waves will be around 1 metre high, increasing to over 1 metre in thunderstorm zones. Mariners in these regions should navigate cautiously and avoid areas with thunderstorms.

Regional updates

In the northern region, thunderstorms are expected in 40% of the area, with heavy rain in Mae Hong Son, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, and Tak. Temperatures will range from 24 to 26 degrees Celcius at the lowest to 33 to 37°C at the highest. Southwest winds will blow at 10 to 15 kilometres per hour.

In the northeastern region, thunderstorms will cover 40% of the area, with heavy rain in Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, and Nakhon Phanom. Temperatures will range from 24 to 26°C at the lowest to 33 to 34°C at the highest. Southwest winds will blow at 10 to 20 km/h.

In the central region, thunderstorms are forecasted for 60% of the area, mainly in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Lopburi, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Nakhon Pathom, and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Temperatures will range from 24 to 26°C at the lowest to 34 to 36°C at the highest. Southwest winds will blow at 10 to 20 km/h.

In the eastern region, thunderstorms will affect 60% of the area, predominantly in Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Temperatures will range from 23 to 28°C at the lowest to 34 to 35°C at the highest. Southwest winds will blow at 15 to 30 km/h. Waves in the sea will be around 1 metre high, increasing to over 1 metre in thunderstorm areas.

In the southern region (east coast), thunderstorms are expected in 40% of the area, mainly in Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Yala, and Narathiwat. Temperatures will range from 24 to 28°C at the lowest to 33 to 36°C at the highest. Southwest winds will blow at 15 to 30 km/h. Waves in the sea will be around 1 metre high, increasing to over 1 metre in thunderstorm areas.

Southern region (west coast), thunderstorms will affect 40% of the area, mainly in Krabi, Trang, and Satun. Temperatures will range from 23 to 26°C at the lowest to 33 to 36°C at the highest. Southwest winds will blow at 15 to 35 km/h from Phang Nga upwards, with waves of one to two metres high, increasing to over two metres in thunderstorm areas. From Phuket downwards, the winds will blow at 15 to 30 km/h. Waves will be around 1 metre high, increasing to over 1 metre in thunderstorm areas.

Bangkok and its surrounding areas face a 60% chance of thunderstorms. Temperatures will range from 25 to 26°C at the lowest to 33 to 35°C at the highest. Southwest winds will blow at 10 to 20 km/h.

Residents are advised to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and take necessary precautions to stay safe during this period of unpredictable weather.