Thailand is bracing for more intense weather as the monsoon trough sweeps across the upper North and Northeast while typhoon Ragasa, now downgraded to a depression over China, fuels unstable conditions across the country.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned of isolated heavy to very heavy rain across northern and northeastern regions, with flash floods and water runoff likely in foothill and lowland areas. People living near waterways are urged to remain on alert.
Although storm Ragasa is not expected to move into Thailand, its effects are already being felt. The weather system, which has weakened due to a high-pressure front from China, is forecast to impact the region until today, September 26. As a result, the monsoon trough and southwesterly monsoon winds over Thailand, the Andaman Sea, and the Gulf of Thailand are strengthening.
In the upper Andaman Sea, waves will reach heights of 2 to 3 metres, and could exceed 3 metres during thunderstorms. The lower Andaman Sea and upper Gulf are also experiencing choppy waters, with wave heights of 2 metres or more in stormy areas. Officials are urging all vessels to navigate with caution, and small boats in the upper Andaman are advised to stay ashore until further notice.
The weather forecast from 6pm yesterday, September 25, to 6pm today, September 26, is as follows:
In the North, fairly widespread thundershowers are expected with isolated heavy rainfall likely in Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, Phichit, and Phetchabun. Temperatures will range from 24 to 25°C at the lowest, reaching highs between 32 and 34°C. Winds will be variable at speeds of 10 to 15 km/h.
Northeast Thailand will also see fairly widespread thundershowers with isolated heavy to very heavy rain forecast for Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Kalasin, Roi Et, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani. Temperatures will dip to between 23 and 26°C overnight and climb to a maximum of 30 to 33°C. Winds will be variable, blowing at 10 to 25 km/h.
In the central region, scattered thundershowers and isolated heavy rain are likely, particularly in Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi. Minimum temperatures are expected to fall between 24 and 25°C, with a maximum of 33 to 35°C. Southwesterly winds will prevail at 10 to 25 km/h.
The East is forecast to experience fairly widespread thundershowers with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall in Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Chachoengsao, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Temperatures will range from 25 to 27°C overnight and peak at 30 to 34°C during the day. Southwesterly winds will reach speeds of 20 to 35 km/h. Sea conditions in this region are expected to see waves around 2 metres high, rising above 2 metres during thundershowers.
Along the east coast of southern Thailand, isolated thundershowers are expected in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Chumphon. Temperatures will be between 24 and 25°C and rise to between 33 and 35°C. From Surat Thani northward, southwesterly winds will blow at 20 to 35 km/h with wave heights of 1 to 2 metres, increasing to about 2 metres offshore and over 2 metres in thunderstorms.
From Nakhon Si Thammarat southward, winds will range from 15 to 35 km/h, with waves around 1 metre, building to 1 to 2 metres offshore and exceeding 2 metres in thundershowers.
On the west coast, scattered thundershowers and isolated heavy rain are expected in Ranong and Phang Nga. Minimum temperatures will vary from 24 to 28°C, with highs between 30 and 34°C. From Phuket northward, southwesterly winds of 20 to 40 km/h will bring wave heights of 2 to 3 metres, exceeding 3 metres in thundershowers.
From Krabi southward, southwesterly winds of 20 to 35 km/h are forecast, with waves around 2 metres and higher in stormy conditions, according to the TMD.
For Bangkok and the surrounding areas, scattered thundershowers are forecast. Temperatures will range from 26 to 27°C at night and climb to between 33 and 35°C during the day. Southwesterly winds are expected at 10 to 25 km/h.
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