Thailand Braces for Heavy Rain Across 33 Provinces

The Meteorological Department forecasts heavy rain for the next 24 hours across lower northeastern Thailand, lower central Thailand, Bangkok, the eastern region, and the eastern coast of southern Thailand. Heavy rainfall accumulation may trigger flash floods, flash flooding, landslides, and mudslides, especially in foothill and low-lying zones near waterways. Residents are advised to avoid flood-prone routes, particularly in low-lying areas vulnerable to temporary inundation. A high-pressure system weakening in the upper northern and upper northeastern regions contrasts with a monsoon trough still affecting central and eastern Thailand, feeding into an intensifying low-pressure system over the central South China Sea. Southwest monsoon winds of moderate strength cover the Andaman Sea, the southern region, and the Gulf of Thailand. Upper Andaman waters show moderate wave heights of 1-2 meters, exceeding 2 meters during thunderstorms; fishermen are urged to avoid stormy areas. From September 23-27, heavy rain will spread across northern, lower northeastern, central, Bangkok, eastern, and southern regions, initially hitting the lower northeastern and eastern areas before moving to other zones. Stronger monsoon winds will increase upper Gulf waves to 2-3 meters (over 3 meters in storms) and upper Andaman to 2 meters (over 2 meters in storms); small boats in the upper Gulf should remain ashore during this period. Regional forecasts include 40 percent thunderstorm coverage in the north (mainly in Mae Hong Son, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Phrae), 60 percent in the lower northeast with isolated heavy rain, 70 percent in central areas with localized heavy rain, and 80 percent in the eastern region with scattered heavy downpours.