Rain alert: thunderstorms in 60% of areas, heavy falls and gusty winds expected

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned of widespread thunderstorms, gusty winds and heavy rain in some areas on Friday, May 8, 2026, as another surge of high pressure (cool air mass) spreads over the upper Northeast and the South China Sea.

The TMD said southerly and south-easterly winds are drawing moisture from the Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea across upper Thailand, while heat persists—creating conditions for stronger storms.

People in affected areas are urged to take care during thunderstorms, avoid open spaces, large trees, weak structures and billboards, and be alert for heavy rain and accumulated rainfall that could trigger flash flooding and runoff. Farmers are advised to secure fruit trees and protect crops and livestock, and to look after their health during shifting weather.

In the South, strengthening easterly winds are expected to bring heavy to very heavy rain in places, with seas generally around 1 metre, rising to over 2 metres in thunderstorm areas. Mariners are advised to exercise extra caution and avoid storm cells.

Dust and haze in upper Thailand are expected to remain low to moderate, as rainfall increases in some areas.

24-hour forecast (06:00 today to 06:00 tomorrow)

North

Hot by day. Thunderstorms in 60% of areas, with gusty winds and heavy rain in places, especially Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Sukhothai, Tak, Phichit, Kamphaeng Phet, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun.

• Low: 21-26°C | High: 30-39°C
• Southerly winds 10-15 km/h

Northeast

Thunderstorms in 60% of areas, with gusty winds and heavy rain in places, especially Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Nong Bua Lamphu, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani.

• Low: 22-26°C | High: 33-36°C
• South-easterly winds 10-20 km/h

Central

Hot by day. Thunderstorms in 40% of areas, with gusty winds and heavy rain in places, especially Uthai Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon.

• Low: 24-26°C | High: 36-38°C
• South-easterly winds 10-20 km/h

East

Thunderstorms in 60% of areas, with gusty winds and heavy rain in places, especially Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chachoengsao, Sa Kaeo, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat.

• Low: 24-26°C | High: 31-36°C
• South-easterly winds 15-30 km/h
• Sea: waves around 1 metre, over 2 metres in thunderstorms

South (east coast)

Thunderstorms in 60% of areas, with heavy to very heavy rain in places, especially Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat.

• Low: 23-26°C | High: 32-37°C
• Easterly winds 15-30 km/h
• Sea: waves around 1 metre, over 2 metres in thunderstorms

South (west coast)

Thunderstorms in 60% of areas, with heavy to very heavy rain in places, especially Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, Satun.

• Low: 24-26°C | High: 33-35°C
• Easterly winds 10-30 km/h
• Sea: waves below 1 metre, over 2 metres in thunderstorms

Bangkok and vicinity

Hot by day. Thunderstorms in 60% of areas, with gusty winds and heavy rain in places.

• Low: 25-28°C | High: 34-36°C
• Southerly winds 10-20 km/h