Heavy Rain Forecast for Thailand as Tropical Storm Matmo Gains Strength
The Thai Meteorological Department warns of localised flooding in central and southern regions. Tropical Storm Matmo is expected to make landfall in Vietnam next week as a typhoon
- Thailand's Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rain warning for 38 provinces due to easterly winds and the influence of Tropical Storm Matmo.
- While the storm is strengthening and expected to become a typhoon, it is not forecast to make direct landfall in Thailand, instead tracking towards northern Vietnam.
- Heavy downpours and thunderstorms are expected across the Central, Eastern, and Southern regions, including Bangkok, prompting warnings of potential flash floods.
- Mariners are advised to navigate with caution as waves in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand could exceed two metres during thunderstorms.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather warning for 38 provinces, cautioning residents about potential heavy rainfall as the country is affected by easterly wind patterns and the proximity of a strengthening tropical storm.
The TMD's 24-hour forecast indicates heavy rainfall in certain areas across the Central, Eastern, and Southern Regions, including Bangkok and its surrounding areas.
Local residents are advised to be vigilant against potential flash flooding and other dangers associated with the downpours.
The conditions are caused by easterly and southeasterly winds covering the eastern parts of the nation and the Gulf of Thailand, compounded by a weak southwest monsoon persisting over the Andaman Sea and the western provinces.
The TMD has provided an update on Severe Tropical Storm Matmo, currently located near Luzon Island in the Philippines.
The storm is forecast to move into the upper South China Sea today (3 October 2025) and is likely to intensify into a Typhoon.
The system is predicted to track across Hainan Island, China, before entering the Gulf of Tonkin and making landfall over northern Vietnam between 5 and 6 October 2025. Authorities confirmed that the storm is not expected to directly enter Thailand.
Mariners in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are warned of wave heights of approximately one metre.
However, in areas experiencing thunderstorms, waves could exceed two metres. All vessels are advised to navigate with extreme caution and avoid areas of active thundershowers.
Across the country, the risk of thunderstorms remains high:
Bangkok and its vicinity face a 70% risk of thunderstorms with heavy rain expected in some locations. Temperatures are forecast to range between 23∘C and 35∘C.
The Central Region also faces a 70% chance of thunderstorms and heavy rain, particularly affecting provinces like Saraburi, Ayutthaya, and Ratchaburi.
The Eastern Region has a 70% chance of rain with heavy downpours expected in areas including Chonburi and Rayong.
The Southern Region (both East and West coasts) faces a 60% risk of thunderstorms, with potential heavy rain in provinces such as Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Songkhla.
The TMD advises the public to follow updates closely as weather conditions are subject to change.
