Thailand’s Meteorological Department has issued a fresh warning for heavy to very heavy rain, naming dozens of provinces at risk and cautioning that Bangkok and its surrounding areas and provinces could see thunderstorms covering about 70 percent of the area.
The department said a southward shift of the monsoon trough, combined with a strengthening southwest monsoon and a strong low-pressure system over the South China Sea, is driving increased rainfall. Isolated very heavy rain is expected in parts of the South, while the lower Central region, including Bangkok and vicinity, and the East are forecast to see heavy rain in some places. Rainfall is expected to ease in the North and Northeast.
Officials warned that heavy and accumulated rainfall could trigger flash floods, mountain runoff, and landslides, especially in foothill areas near waterways and in low-lying communities. Residents were urged to avoid travel through flood-prone routes and to stay alert for sudden water level rises.
For Bangkok and surrounding provinces, the 24-hour outlook called for thunderstorms over 70 percent of the area, with isolated heavy rain. Temperatures were forecast in the mid-20s Celsius at night and the low-to-mid 30s during the day, with variable or northwesterly winds of about 10–20 km/h.
Provinces repeatedly listed in recent TMD bulletins as facing heavy or very heavy rain include parts of the Central region such as Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram; eastern provinces including Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat; and a long stretch of the South from Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan through Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun. Earlier related warnings had also placed the total number of affected provinces around 36.
Mariners were advised to use caution. Waves in the upper Andaman Sea were expected around 2 metres, and higher in thunderstorm areas. Small boats were told to stay close to shore where conditions are rough.
The Meteorological Department said the wet pattern is expected to persist through at least September 13. Updates are available on the TMD website and through its 24-hour hotlines at 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
