Thailand Braces for Heavy Rain, Floods and Rough Seas
Thailand faces heavy rain and thunderstorms across northern, northeastern, central and eastern regions on August 12, with flash flood warnings and rough seas threatening the Andaman and Gulf waters.
Thailand is expected to see thunderstorms and heavy to very heavy rain in several areas on 12 August, with authorities warning residents to watch out for flash floods and runoff from accumulated rainfall.
The Meteorological Department said the northern, northeastern, central and eastern regions could experience isolated heavy rain over the next 24 hours, as a monsoon trough lies across upper northern Thailand, upper Laos and the upper Northeast.
Meanwhile, a relatively strong southwest monsoon is prevailing over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand.
Residents in affected areas have been advised to remain alert for hazards from heavy and accumulated rainfall, which could trigger flash floods and forest runoff, particularly in foothill areas, near waterways and in low-lying areas.
The upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand are also expected to experience relatively strong winds, with waves reaching 2-3 metres. Waves could exceed 3 metres in areas experiencing thunderstorms.
The department advised boat operators to exercise caution and avoid areas with thunderstorms. Small boats in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand should remain ashore.
The forecast is valid from 06:00 on 12 August to 06:00 on 13 August.
North: Thunderstorms are forecast across 70% of the area, with isolated heavy rain in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak and Phetchabun. Temperatures will range from 22-27°C, with highs of 30-34°C. Southwesterly winds will reach 10-20 km/h.
Northeast: Thunderstorms are expected across 60% of the area, with isolated heavy rain in Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen and Ubon Ratchathani. Temperatures will range from 23-25°C, with highs of 30-34°C. Southwesterly winds will reach 10-20 km/h.
Central: Thunderstorms are forecast across 60% of the area, with isolated heavy rain in Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi. Temperatures will range from 24-26°C, with highs of 32-34°C. Southwesterly winds will reach 10-25 km/h.
East: Thunderstorms are forecast across 60% of the area, with isolated heavy rain in Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chanthaburi and Trat. Temperatures will range from 24-27°C, with highs of 30-34°C. Southwesterly winds will reach 20-40 km/h. Waves are expected to reach 2-3 metres, rising above 3 metres in areas with thunderstorms.
South—east coast: Thunderstorms are forecast across 40% of the area, mainly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. Temperatures will range from 23-25°C, with highs of 32-36°C. Southwesterly winds will reach 20-35 km/h. Waves will be 1-2 metres offshore and could exceed 2 metres in areas with thunderstorms.
South—west coast: Thunderstorms are forecast across 40% of the area, mainly in Ranong, Krabi, Trang and Satun. Temperatures will range from 24-28°C, with highs of 31-35°C. From Phang Nga northwards, southwesterly winds will reach 20-40 km/h.
