BANGKOK: The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warned on Friday (Oct 16) of isolated heavy rain and flash-flood risks in the lower North, Central region, East and South. Thundershowers are forecast over 60% of Bangkok and surrounding areas, with isolated gusty winds.
The TMD’s 24-hour forecast covers the period from 6am on Oct 16 to 6am on Oct 17, Thailand time.
Heavy rain raises flood risks near foothills and waterways
The TMD urged residents in areas facing heavy rain to beware of thundershowers, gusty winds and accumulated rainfall that could trigger flash floods and rapid runoff. Particular caution is needed on low-lying land and at the foot of slopes near waterways.
The TMD attributed the wet weather to a weak high-pressure system, or cool air mass, covering the upper North, upper Northeast and South China Sea. The system is bringing easterly and southeasterly winds that carry moisture from the South China Sea over Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand.
The TMD forecasts thundershowers over 60% of the Central region, East, both sides of the South, and Bangkok and surrounding areas. Forecast coverage is lower in the North at 40% and the Northeast at 20%.
North: Thundershowers are forecast over 40% of the region, with isolated heavy rain and gusty winds in Tak and Kamphaeng Phet. Minimum temperatures are expected at 21–25°C and maximums at 33–35°C, with easterly winds of 10–20km/h.
Northeast: Thundershowers are forecast over 20% of the region, with isolated gusty winds, mainly in Loei, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram and Surin. Minimum temperatures are expected at 22–25°C and maximums at 34–35°C, with easterly winds of 10–25km/h.
Central region: Thundershowers are forecast over 60% of the region, with isolated heavy rain in Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Suphan Buri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram and Samut Sakhon. Minimum temperatures are expected at 23–25°C and maximums at 33–34°C, with southeasterly winds of 10–20km/h.
East: Thundershowers are forecast over 60% of the region, with isolated heavy rain in Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat. Minimum temperatures are expected at 24–25°C and maximums at 33–35°C, with southeasterly winds of 10–30km/h. Waves are forecast below one metre, rising above two metres in thundershowers.
South, east coast: Thundershowers are forecast over 60% of the area, with isolated heavy rain in Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Yala and Narathiwat. Minimum temperatures are expected at 23–24°C and maximums at 32–35°C, with southeasterly winds of 15–30km/h. Waves are forecast at about one metre, rising above two metres in thundershowers.
South, west coast: Thundershowers are forecast over 60% of the area, with isolated heavy rain in Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang and Satun. Minimum temperatures are expected at 23–26°C and maximums at 33–35°C, with easterly winds of 15–30km/h. Waves are forecast at about one metre, rising above two metres in thundershowers.
Bangkok and surrounding areas: Thundershowers are forecast over 60% of the area, with isolated gusty winds. Minimum temperatures are expected at 26–27°C and maximums at 33–35°C, with southeasterly winds of 10–20km/h.
Storm waves may exceed two metres in Thai seas
The TMD warned that waves in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand could exceed two metres in areas experiencing thundershowers. Mariners should check their routes, navigate cautiously and avoid sailing through thundershowers. - The Nation/ANN
