Heavy rains predicted in many parts of country
The Meteorological Department has warned people in many parts of the country to brace themselves for heavy rains from Friday to Monday.
In its third warning of heavy rains issued at 5am on Friday, the department said the heavy rains would be unleashed by a moderate high-pressure area from China that has spread over upper Laos and Vietnam.
At the same time, a monsoon trough lies across the lower north, the Upper Central, the East and the Lower Northeast, while a Southwest monsoon prevails over the Andaman Sea, the South and the Gulf. All the factors will contribute to more rain.
The department said heavy rains will come with gusty winds and people in some areas should be prepared for possible flooding and mudslides.
The department said the areas that are expected to be affect include:
Friday:
Northern: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Phrae, Nan, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun.
Northeast: Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom and Sakon Nakhon
Saturday and Sunday:
Northern: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Phrae, Nan, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Phichit, Kamphaeng Phet, Sukhothai and Tak.
Northeast: Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Bungkan, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Mukdahan, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Khon Kaen and Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani and Sisaket.
Central: Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi, Uthaithani, Chai Nat, Nakhon Sawan, Singburi, Ang Thong, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya, Nakhon Pathom, Suphan Buri, Samut Songkhram and Samut Sakhon as well as Bangkok and its vicinity.
East: Chachoengsao, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat.
South: Phetchaburi. Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Ranong, Phangnga and Phuket.
Monday:
Northern: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Phichit, Kamphaengphet and Tak.
Northeast: Surin, Sisaket, Ubon Ratchathani, Amnat Charoen, Yasothon, Roi Et and Mahasarakham.
Central: Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi, Uthaithani, Chai Nat, Nakhon Sawan, Singburi, Ang Thong, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya, Nakhon Pathom, Suphan Buri, Samut Songkhram and Samut Sakhon as well as Bangkok and its vicinity.
East: Chachoengsao, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat.
South: Phetchaburi. Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Ranong, Phangnga and Phuket.