Very heavy rain forecast in 10 Thai provinces on Friday

Very heavy rain is forecast in 10 provinces across northern, northeastern and eastern Thailand on Friday (August 7), while Bangkok and surrounding areas face a 70% chance of thunderstorms, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD).

The provinces at risk of very heavy rain are Chiang Rai, Phayao and Nan in the North; Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon and Nakhon Phanom in the Northeast; and Chanthaburi and Trat in the East.

Heavy rain is also expected in several other provinces across the North, Northeast, Central region, East and southern west coast.

The TMD warned residents in affected areas to watch for heavy to very heavy rain and accumulated rainfall that could trigger flash floods and run-off, particularly near waterways, foothills and low-lying areas.

A monsoon trough is lying across the upper North and upper Northeast before extending into a low-pressure cell over the Gulf of Tonkin. A rather strong southwest monsoon is also prevailing over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand.

Rough seas in upper Andaman and Gulf

Waves in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand are forecast at 2-3 metres, rising above 3 metres in thunderstorms.

Mariners have been advised to proceed with caution and avoid areas affected by thunderstorms. Small boats in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf should remain ashore.

Typhoon Dolphin, currently over the Pacific Ocean, is expected to pass Okinawa, Japan, during August 6-7 before making landfall in Zhejiang province, China, during August 9-10.

The TMD said the typhoon would not enter Thailand and advised people travelling to the affected areas to check weather conditions before departure.

Regional forecast

North

• Thunderstorms across 70% of the region.
• Heavy rain in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, Phichit and Phetchabun.
• Very heavy rain in parts of Chiang Rai, Phayao and Nan.
• Minimum temperature: 22-27°C.
• Maximum temperature: 31-36°C.
• Southwesterly winds: 10-20 km/h.

Northeast

• Thunderstorms across 70% of the region.
• Heavy rain in Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen and Ubon Ratchathani.
• Very heavy rain in parts of Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon and Nakhon Phanom.
• Minimum temperature: 23-25°C.
• Maximum temperature: 28-34°C.
• Southwesterly winds: 10-20 km/h.

Central region

• Thunderstorms across 60% of the region.
• Heavy rain in Nakhon Sawan, Lop Buri, Saraburi and Kanchanaburi.
• Minimum temperature: 24-26°C.
• Maximum temperature: 33-35°C.
• Southwesterly winds: 10-25 km/h.

East

• Thunderstorms across 70% of the region.
• Heavy rain in Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri and Rayong.
• Very heavy rain in parts of Chanthaburi and Trat.
• Minimum temperature: 23-28°C.
• Maximum temperature: 30-34°C.
• Southwesterly winds: 20-40 km/h.
• Waves: 2-3 metres, rising above 3 metres in thunderstorms.

South, east coast

• Thunderstorms across 40% of the region, mainly in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Narathiwat.
• Minimum temperature: 24-27°C.
• Maximum temperature: 32-36°C.
• Southwesterly winds: 20-35 km/h.
• Waves: 1-2 metres, rising above 2 metres offshore and in thunderstorms.

South, west coast

• Thunderstorms across 60% of the region.
• Heavy rain in Ranong, Phang Nga and Phuket.
• Minimum temperature: 23-27°C.
• Maximum temperature: 31-35°C.
• From Phuket northwards: Southwesterly winds of 20-40 km/h, with waves of 2-3 metres and above 3 metres in thunderstorms.
• From Krabi southwards: Southwesterly winds of 15-35 km/h, with waves of 1-2 metres and above 2 metres in thunderstorms.

Bangkok and surrounding areas

• Thunderstorms across 70% of the area.
• Minimum temperature: 26-27°C.
• Maximum temperature: 32-34°C.
• Southwesterly winds: 10-25 km/h.