Very heavy rain hits parts of Thailand as waves top 3 metres

Thailand is forecast to see widespread heavy rain on Saturday (August 8), with very heavy downpours expected in parts of the North, Northeast and East and rough seas producing waves of more than three metres in thunderstorms.

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warned people to watch for hazards from heavy to very heavy rain and accumulated rainfall, which could trigger flash floods and run-off, particularly in foothill areas near waterways and low-lying locations.

The conditions are being driven by a monsoon trough extending across the upper North and upper Northeast into a low-pressure area over the Gulf of Tonkin, combined with a fairly strong southwest monsoon prevailing over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand.

Small boats advised to remain ashore

The upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand are expected to remain fairly rough, with waves of 2-3 metres and more than three metres in thunderstorms. Mariners have been advised to proceed with caution and avoid stormy areas, while small boats in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf should remain ashore.

Typhoon Dolphin, meanwhile, was located over the Pacific Ocean west of Okinawa, Japan. It is forecast to make landfall in China’s Zhejiang province between August 9 and 10 and is not expected to enter Thailand. Travellers heading to affected areas have been advised to check weather conditions before departure.

Regional forecast

North

• Thunderstorms across 80% of the region
• Heavy rain in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Phrae, Sukhothai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet and Phichit
• Very heavy rain possible in Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun
• Temperatures: 22-26C to 31-36C

Northeast

• Thunderstorms across 70% of the region
• Heavy rain in Nong Bua Lamphu, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen and Ubon Ratchathani
• Very heavy rain possible in Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon and Nakhon Phanom

Central region

• Thunderstorms across 60% of the region
• Heavy rain possible in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi

East

• Thunderstorms across 70% of the region
• Heavy rain in Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri and Rayong
• Very heavy rain possible in Chanthaburi and Trat
• Winds: 20-40 kilometres per hour
• Waves: 2-3 metres, rising above three metres in thunderstorms

South, east coast

• Thunderstorms across 40% of the region
• Rain mainly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon and Surat Thani
• Waves: 1-2 metres, rising above two metres offshore and in thunderstorms

South, west coast

• Thunderstorms across 60% of the region
• Heavy rain possible in Ranong and Phang Nga
• Phuket northwards: waves of 2-3 metres, rising above three metres in thunderstorms
• Krabi southwards: waves around two metres, rising above two metres in thunderstorms

Bangkok and surrounding provinces

• Thunderstorms across 70% of the area
• Heavy rain possible in some locations
• Temperatures: 25-28C to 32-35C