Heavy Rain Warning Issued for 59 Thai Provinces
Thailand's Meteorological Department warned of heavy rain across 59 provinces through September 18, with severe flooding and landslide risks in northern and northeastern regions amid monsoon conditions.
The Thai Meteorological Department issued a weather forecast on September 17, 2024, warning of continued heavy rain across the country over the next 24 hours. Severe downpours are expected in the north, northeast, and southwestern coast, with particular risks of flash floods, landslides, and mudslides, especially in foothill areas and low-lying zones. Residents are advised to avoid travel through flood-prone areas.
The heavy rainfall is caused by a monsoon trough passing through the northern and upper northeastern regions, combined with a strengthening southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. A low-pressure area is also present over the northern region.
Wave conditions in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand are intensifying. The upper Andaman Sea has waves of 2-3 meters, with storms producing waves over 3 meters. The lower Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand have waves around 2 meters, with thunderstorm areas exceeding 2 meters. Fishermen are advised to navigate cautiously and avoid areas with storms. Small boats in the upper Andaman Sea should remain ashore until September 20, 2024.
Regional forecast details: The north expects 70 percent thunderstorm coverage with heavy rain in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampun, Lamphang, Phayao, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun, with very heavy rain in Nan, Phrae, and Uttaradit. The northeast has 70 percent coverage with heavy rain across multiple provinces including Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, and Ubon Ratchathani, with very heavy rain in Loei and Nong Khai. The central region has 70 percent coverage with heavy rain across provinces including Nakhon Sawan, Chai Nat, Lopburi, Saraburi, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram, and Samut Sakhon. The east has 70 percent coverage with heavy rain in Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. The southern coast (east) has 60 percent coverage with heavy rain in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Songkhla.
