A powerful tropical storm is sweeping across Thailand, triggering flood warnings in dozens of provinces as officials urge residents to brace for severe weather.
Residents in affected areas are advised to exercise caution due to potential heavy to very heavy rainfall and accumulated precipitation, which may lead to flash floods, forest runoffs, and overflowing rivers, especially in mountainous regions, low-lying areas, and flood-prone zones. A strong monsoon trough is influencing the northern and upper northeastern regions, combined with a powerful southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, the south, and the Gulf of Thailand.
The Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued its 11th announcement, warning of heavy rainfall in 56 provinces due to Tropical Storm Bualoi from yesterday, September 29, to today, September 30.
In the Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand, winds are expected to be strong, with waves reaching heights of 2 to 3 metres, and exceeding 3 metres in stormy areas. In the lower Andaman Sea, waves are predicted to reach around 2 metres, with stormy areas experiencing higher waves. Mariners are advised to exercise caution and avoid sailing in stormy areas, while small boats in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand should remain ashore until today.
Tropical Storm Bualoi, located in Xieng Khouang, Laos, is expected to weaken into a depression and further into a low-pressure area as it rapidly moves to cover upper Myanmar. This storm is not expected to move into Thailand.
The weather forecast from 6pm yesterday to 6pm today is as follows:
In the north, thunderstorms are expected in 70% of the region, accompanied by strong winds and heavy to very heavy rain in areas such as Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phichit, and Phetchabun. Temperatures will range from a low of 21°C to 25°C to a high of 32°C to 35°C, with variable winds at speeds of 10 to 30km/h.
The northeastern region will experience thunderstorms in 80% of the area, with strong winds and heavy to very heavy rain expected in Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani. Temperatures are forecasted to be between 22°C and 25°C, with highs of 26°C to 32°C, and southwest winds at 15 to 30km/h.
In the central region, thunderstorms are anticipated in 60% of the area, primarily in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Lopburi, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. Temperatures will range from 22°C to 25°C, with highs between 32°C and 35°C, and southwest winds of 10 to 25km/h.
The eastern region will see thunderstorms in 70% of the area, with strong winds and heavy to very heavy rain expected in Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Temperatures will vary from 23°C to 26°C, with highs of 28°C to 33°C, and southwest winds at 20 to 40km/h. Sea waves will reach 2 to 3 metres, exceeding 3 metres in stormy areas.
In the southern region (east coast), thunderstorms are expected in 70% of the area, with heavy rain in Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, and Songkhla. Temperatures will be between 23°C and 25°C, with highs of 30°C to 33°C. From Surat Thani upwards, southwest winds will blow at 20 to 35km/h, causing waves of 1 to 2 metres, exceeding 2 metres offshore. From Nakhon Si Thammarat downwards, southwest winds will be 15 to 35km/h, with waves around 1 metre, and waves of 1 to 2 metres offshore, exceeding 2 metres in stormy areas.
On the west coast, thunderstorms are forecasted in 80% of the area, with heavy to very heavy rain in Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. Temperatures will be between 23°C and 25°C, with highs from 27°C to 30°C. From Phuket upwards, southwest winds will reach speeds of 20 to 40km/h, with seas having waves of 2 to 3 metres, exceeding 3 metres in stormy areas. From Krabi downwards, southwest winds will be 20 to 35km/h, with sea waves around 2 metres, exceeding 2 metres in stormy areas.
In Bangkok and surrounding areas, thunderstorms will cover 70% of the area, with heavy rain in some parts. Temperatures will range from 25°C to 27°C, with highs of 31°C to 34°C, and southwest winds at 10 to 25km/h, reported KhaoSod.
The TMD urges caution as heavy rains are expected to affect many areas across 49 provinces, with two regions particularly impacted by 80% heavy rainfall.
The story Bualoi batters Thailand as flood warnings sweep nation as seen on Thaiger News.
