BANGKOK, Thailand – The weather bureau warns of heavy to very heavy rain in 34 provinces over the next 24 hours. A strong southwest monsoon sits over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand.
Thunderstorms are widespread across the north, northeast, and east. Bangkok and surrounding areas are also affected. Dangerous zones face flash floods and overflow runoff.
Monsoon trough triggers downpours
A monsoon trough stretches across the upper north of Thailand and upper north of Laos, according to the Thai weather bureau. The southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand is relatively strong.
The agency warns of heavy to very heavy rain and accumulated rainfall. Hillsides, areas near waterways, and low-lying areas are most at risk.
North and northeast see 70 percent thunderstorms
In the north, 70 percent of the area faces thunderstorms. Heavy rain is possible in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun.
In the northeast, 70 percent of the area also gets thunderstorms and local heavy rain. Officials name Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Yasothon, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani.
East braces for heavy rain and high waves
In the east, 70 percent of the area sees thunderstorms and local heavy rain. Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chanthaburi, and Trat are most affected.
Waves reach two to three metres off the east coast. During thunderstorms, waves can exceed three metres.
Central region not spared
In the central region, 40 percent of the area faces thunderstorms. Local heavy rain is expected in Lopburi, Saraburi, and Kanchanaburi.
Low temperatures range from 24 to 26 degrees Celsius. Highs hit 32 to 36 degrees. Southwest wind blows at 10 to 25 kilometres per hour.
South sees rain on both coasts
On the east coast of the south, 30 percent of the area sees thunderstorms. Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Chumphon are most at risk.
On the west coast of the south, 30 percent of the area gets thunderstorms and local heavy rain. Ranong and Phang Nga are the main targets. North of Phuket, waves reach two to three metres, over three metres during thunderstorms. South of Krabi, waves sit at about two metres and can exceed that during storms.
Small boats told to stay ashore
The weather bureau urges mariners to take special care. Sailors should avoid sailing into thunderstorm areas.
Small boats in the northern Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand must not leave port. The forecast runs from the morning of August 10 to the following morning.
Bangkok and vicinity under thunderstorms
In Bangkok and surrounding provinces, 60 percent of the area faces thunderstorms. Low temperatures range from 26 to 27 degrees, highs from 32 to 33 degrees.
Southwest wind reaches 10 to 25 kilometres per hour. The forecast applies nationwide until 6 am the next morning.