BANGKOK, Thailand – Weather officials warn of heavy rain across large parts of the country over the next 24 hours. The east faces very heavy downpours, especially in Chanthaburi and Trat.
Flash floods, sudden water surges, and inundation are possible. The warning runs from 7 am on August 14 to 7 am on August 15.
East coast hit with very heavy rain
In Thailand’s east, 60 percent of the area faces thunderstorms and locally heavy rain. Nakhon Nayok and Prachinburi expect heavy downpours. Chanthaburi and Trat could see very heavy rain.
Authorities warn of flooding and flash floods from accumulated water. Slopes, areas near waterways, and low-lying land face the highest risk. In the northeast, rivers could overflow their banks.
Monsoon brings moist air into Thailand
The weather bureau blames a monsoon trough moving over Myanmar, northern Laos, and northern Vietnam. At the same time, the south-west monsoon blows moderately strong over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand.
The forecast covers from 7 am on August 14 to 7 am on August 15. The country continues to expect locally heavy rain.
North and northeast see thunderstorms
In the north, 60 percent of the area will see thunderstorms and locally heavy rain. Mae Hong Son, Nan, and Tak could be hit. Temperatures range from 22 to 35 degrees Celsius.
The northeast also sees thunderstorms over 60 percent of the area. Heavy rain is possible in Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, and Mukdahan. Temperatures there: 24 to 35 degrees.
Central region and Bangkok under rain clouds
In the central region, 40 percent of the area could see thunderstorms and locally heavy rain. Saraburi and Kanchanaburi are named. Temperatures reach 34 to 36 degrees.
Bangkok and surrounding areas face thunderstorms over 60 percent of the area and locally heavy rain. Temperatures there: 26 to 34 degrees. The south-west wind blows at 10 to 25 kilometers per hour.
South (east coast) with strong wind at sea
On the east coast of southern Thailand, 40 percent of the area can expect thunderstorms. Most rain falls in Chumphon, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Temperatures range from 23 to 36 degrees.
The south-west wind reaches 20 to 35 kilometers per hour. At sea, waves of one to two meters are expected, further out about two meters. During thunderstorms, waves can top two meters.
Andaman Sea: Small boats ordered to stay ashore
On the west coast along the Andaman Sea, 60 percent of the area could see thunderstorms. Heavy rain is forecast for Ranong and Phang Nga. From Phang Nga north, the south-west wind blows at 20 to 40 kilometers per hour, with waves reaching two to three meters and over three meters during thunderstorms.
Read also: Heavy rain in 34 provinces
From Phuket south, waves run one to two meters and can exceed two meters during thunderstorms. The weather bureau advises sailors to navigate with caution and avoid thunderstorm areas. Small boats in the upper Andaman Sea are told not to leave port.
said the Thai Meteorological Department.