Meteorological Department Issues First Alert: Heavy to Very Heavy Rainfall and Flash Flooding Risk
Thailand faces heavy to very heavy rainfall and flash flooding risk from May 14-18 as a strengthening low-pressure system combines with monsoon winds affecting northern, central, northeastern, and southern regions.
On May 13, 2569, the Thai Meteorological Department issued an alert (No. 61/2569) warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall across Thailand and strong winds in the Andaman Sea region, with impacts from May 14-18, 2569. The northern, central, northeastern, and southern regions will experience increased rainfall with heavy downpours in some areas.
Residents in these areas are urged to be cautious of heavy rainfall and accumulated water that may cause flash floods and landslides, particularly in hillside areas near water channels and low-lying regions. This weather pattern is caused by an intensifying low-pressure system in the lower Bay of Bengal that will move to cover the upper Bay of Bengal, combined with the strengthening southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand.
Regarding sea conditions, waves in the Andaman Sea will reach 2-3 meters from May 14-18, exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorm areas. The upper Gulf of Thailand will see waves around 2 meters, exceeding 2 meters during thunderstorms. Fishermen are advised to navigate carefully and avoid thunderstorm areas. Small vessels in the Andaman Sea should remain ashore during this period.
The public is encouraged to monitor updates from the Thai Meteorological Department via their website at http://www.tmd.go.th or by calling 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182 available 24 hours daily. The next alert will be issued on May 13, 2569 at 5:00 PM.
