BANGKOK: Heavy rain is forecast in 15 provinces on Thursday (Aug 27), while thunderstorms are expected across 60% of Bangkok and surrounding provinces from the afternoon into the evening.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecast isolated heavy rain in parts of the North, Central region, East and southern west coast. Thunderstorms are also expected across 11 other named provinces, bringing the overall forecast to 26 provinces and Bangkok.
The 24-hour forecast covers the period from 6am on Thursday to 6am on Friday (Aug 28).
A rather strong south-westerly monsoon is prevailing over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand. A monsoon trough also extends across Myanmar and upper Laos towards a strong low-pressure area over southern China.
The TMD urged residents in the affected areas to remain alert to dangers from heavy and accumulated rainfall.
Fifteen provinces face heavy rain
Isolated heavy rain is forecast in:
North: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Tak, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun
Central region: Kanchanaburi, Saraburi and Ratchaburi
East: Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chanthaburi and Trat
Southern west coast: Ranong and Phang Nga
Upper Andaman small boats told to remain ashore
The upper Andaman Sea will have waves of two to three metres, rising above three metres during thunderstorms.
Waves in the upper Gulf of Thailand will be about two metres and exceed two metres in stormy areas.
Mariners in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand should proceed cautiously and avoid sailing through thunderstorms. Small boats in the upper Andaman Sea should remain ashore during this period.
Regional forecast
North: Thunderstorms across 60% of the region, with isolated heavy rain in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Tak, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun. Temperatures will range from 24–28°C to 33–36°C, with south-westerly winds of 10–20 kilometres per hour.
Northeast: Thunderstorms across 40% of the region, mainly in Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan and Ubon Ratchathani. Temperatures will range from 24–26°C to 31–35°C, with south-westerly winds of 10–25km/h.
Central region: Thunderstorms across 60% of the area, with isolated heavy rain in Kanchanaburi, Saraburi and Ratchaburi. Temperatures will range from 23–26°C to 33–36°C, with south-westerly winds of 10–25km/h.
East: Thunderstorms across 60% of the region, with isolated heavy rain in Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chanthaburi and Trat. Temperatures will range from 25–28°C to 30–34°C, with south-westerly winds of 20–35km/h. Coastal waves will be about two metres and exceed two metres during thunderstorms.
Southern east coast: Thunderstorms across 30% of the region, mainly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Yala and Narathiwat. Temperatures will range from 21–25°C to 32–37°C.
From Surat Thani northwards: South-westerly winds of 20–35km/h, with waves of one to two metres, about two metres offshore and above two metres during thunderstorms.
From Nakhon Si Thammarat southwards: South-westerly winds of 15–35km/h, with waves of about one metre, rising to one to two metres offshore and above two metres during thunderstorms.
Southern west coast: Thunderstorms across 40% of the region, with isolated heavy rain in Ranong and Phang Nga. Temperatures will range from 24–26°C to 30–35°C.
From Phuket northwards: South-westerly winds of 20–40km/h, with waves of two to three metres and above three metres during thunderstorms.
From Krabi southwards: South-westerly winds of 15–35km/h, with waves of one to two metres and above two metres during thunderstorms.
Bangkok and surrounding provinces: Thunderstorms across 60% of the area, mainly from the afternoon into the evening. Temperatures will range from 27–28°C to 33–35°C, with south-westerly winds of 10–25km/h. - The Nation/ANN
