TMD warns 37 provinces of heavy rain as new storm may strengthen
Thailand faces heavy to very heavy rain on September 12-13, with 37 provinces at risk of flash floods and run-off as a tropical system develops near Vietnam.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued Warning No. 12 for heavy to very heavy rain across Thailand on September 12-13, putting 37 provinces on alert for flash floods and run-off, while Bangkok and surrounding provinces face thunderstorms across 70% of the area.
The warning, issued at 5pm on Saturday (September 12), said very heavy rain was expected in parts of the South, while heavy rain was forecast in the lower North, Northeast, Central region, Bangkok and surrounding provinces, and the East.
The conditions are being driven by a high-pressure system or cool air mass from China extending over the upper North and upper Northeast, while a monsoon trough lies across the lower Central region, upper South, upper Gulf of Thailand and the East towards an active low-pressure cell along the coast of central Vietnam.
At the same time, the southwest monsoon prevailing over the Andaman Sea, the South and the Gulf of Thailand is strengthening.
The TMD urged residents in affected areas to remain alert for heavy and accumulated rainfall, which could trigger flash floods and run-off, particularly along foothills near waterways and in low-lying areas.
People should avoid routes that are repeatedly affected by flooding, especially low-lying roads where temporary inundation could occur.
Low-pressure system could become tropical cyclone
The active low-pressure cell off central Vietnam is forecast to intensify into a tropical cyclone.
It is expected to move closer to the coast of upper Vietnam between September 13 and 14, prompting the TMD to advise the public to closely follow weather updates.
Residents have also been urged to plan travel and daily activities carefully to reduce potential risks.
Updates are available through the TMD website or around the clock on 0 2399 4012-13 and 1182.
Forecast from 6pm Saturday to 6pm Sunday
In the North, thunderstorms are forecast across 40% of the region, mainly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Tak and Kamphaeng Phet. Temperatures will range from 21-26°C to 31-37°C, with easterly winds of 10-20 kilometres per hour.
In the Northeast, thunderstorms are expected across 40% of the region, with heavy rain in Yasothon, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani. Temperatures will range from 21-25°C to 32-34°C, with northeasterly winds of 10-20km/h.
The Central region will see thunderstorms across 70% of the area, with heavy rain forecast in Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram. Temperatures will range from 22-25°C to 32-35°C, with variable winds of 10-20km/h.
In the East, thunderstorms are forecast across 70% of the region, with heavy rain in Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat. Temperatures will range from 23-26°C to 30-34°C.
Winds will be variable at 15-35km/h, with waves of one to two metres and exceeding three metres during thunderstorms.
On the southern east coast, thunderstorms are expected across 70% of the region.
Heavy rain is forecast in Phetchaburi, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Yala and Narathiwat, with very heavy rain in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon.
Temperatures will range from 22-24°C to 29-32°C.
From Surat Thani northwards, westerly winds will reach 15-35km/h, with waves of one to two metres and above two metres during thunderstorms.
From Nakhon Si Thammarat southwards, northwesterly winds will reach 15-35km/h. Waves will be around one metre, rising to one to two metres offshore and above two metres during thunderstorms.
On the southern west coast, thunderstorms are forecast across 70% of the region.
Heavy rain is expected in Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun, with very heavy rain in Ranong and Phang Nga.
Temperatures will range from 23-25°C to 29-32°C.
From Phuket northwards, westerly winds will reach 20-35km/h and waves will be about two metres high, rising above two metres during thunderstorms.
From Krabi southwards, northwesterly winds will reach 15-35km/h, with waves of one to two metres and above two metres in stormy areas.
In Bangkok and surrounding provinces, thunderstorms are forecast across 70% of the area, with heavy rain in some locations.
Temperatures will range from 24-26°C to 32-34°C, with variable winds of 10-20km/h.
