Heavy rain and gusty winds put three Thai regions on flood alert
Heavy rain and gusty winds are forecast across Central, Eastern and Southern Thailand, raising risks of flash floods, run-off and landslides.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned of heavy rain and gusty winds across parts of Central, Eastern and Southern Thailand, with accumulated rainfall raising the risk of flash floods, run-off and landslides.
In its 5pm forecast on October 16, the department urged people in vulnerable areas to remain alert to thunderstorms, strong winds and heavy rain, particularly in low-lying areas and communities near foothills and waterways.
The unsettled conditions are being driven by a weak high-pressure system, or cool air mass, covering the upper North, upper Northeast and South China Sea.
Easterly and southeasterly winds are bringing moisture from the South China Sea across Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand, contributing to thunderstorms and isolated heavy rain.
Central provinces face heavy rain
The Central region is forecast to have thunderstorms over 60% of the area, with isolated heavy rain and gusty winds.
Provinces expected to be particularly affected include Lop Buri, Saraburi, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Suphan Buri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi and Nakhon Pathom.
Temperatures are forecast to range from lows of 23–25°C to highs of 32–35°C.
Bangkok and surrounding provinces are also expected to see thunderstorms over about 60% of the area, accompanied by gusty winds.
Temperatures in the capital and its vicinity are forecast at 26–27°C overnight and 33–35°C during the day.
Heavy rain forecast in the East and South
The Eastern region is expected to have thunderstorms over 60% of the area, with isolated heavy rain in Nakhon Nayok, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat.
Temperatures are forecast at 24–26°C overnight and 33–35°C during the day.
On the eastern coast, seas will generally have waves below one metre, but waves could exceed two metres in thunderstorms.
Southern Thailand faces similar conditions.
On the Gulf coast, thunderstorms are forecast over 60% of the area, with heavy rain in Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Yala and Narathiwat.
Waves will be around one metre under normal conditions and above two metres in thunderstorms.
On the Andaman coast, heavy rain is forecast in Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun, with thunderstorms affecting around 60% of the region.
North and Northeast also see thunderstorms
The North is forecast to have thunderstorms over about 40% of the area, with gusty winds mainly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Tak and Kamphaeng Phet.
Minimum temperatures will range from 21–26°C, with maximums of 33–35°C.
The Northeast is expected to have thunderstorms over about 20% of the region, mainly in Loei, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram and Surin.
Temperatures are forecast at 22–25°C overnight and 33–35°C during the day.
Small boats urged to avoid storms
The TMD warned mariners in both the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand that waves could rise above two metres in areas experiencing thunderstorms.
Boat operators should check weather conditions and routes carefully and avoid sailing through storm areas where possible.
The forecast covers the period from 6pm on October 16 to 6pm on October 17.
