Heavy rain is expected across Thailand today, with dozens of provinces warned to prepare for flooding and storms as the monsoon season intensifies.
Officials urged residents to be on guard against flash floods, landslides and stormy seas as the monsoon trough digs in.
The Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasted downpours across Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Tak, Kalasin, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen and Ubon Ratchathani. The department said the trough is stretching across the North and upper Northeast, while a moderate southwest monsoon is sweeping the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand.
Adding fuel to the storm, Typhoon Ragasa is expected to intensify monsoon conditions as it tracks from northern Luzon in the Philippines into the South China Sea yesterday, September 22. It is predicted to reach the Gulf of Tonkin and northern Vietnam between September 25 and 26 before weakening.
The TMD warned that continuous heavy rainfall is likely for the next 10 days.
Out at sea, conditions are also looking rough. Waves in the upper Andaman are tipped to hit 2 metres, with the lower Andaman and upper Gulf reaching 1 to 2 metres. In thunderstorm zones, waves may exceed 2 metres, prompting advice for mariners to stay cautious and avoid stormy areas.
Weather forecast from 6pm yesterday, September 22, to 6pm today, September 23:
In the North, thunderstorms are expected to cover around 70% of the region, with heavy downpours in some provinces, including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Lampang and Tak. Temperatures will dip to between 23 and 25°C at night and climb to 30 to 33°C during the day, with light variable winds.
The Northeast will also see widespread storms, covering 70% of the area. Heavy rain is forecast in Loei, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Mukdahan and Ubon Ratchathani. Lows are predicted at 23 to 25°C with daytime highs reaching 31 to 33°C, accompanied by variable winds.
Central Thailand will see thunderstorms in about 60% of the region, especially in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi. Minimum temperatures will sit at 23 to 26°C, with highs of 33 to 34°C. Winds from the southwest will blow at 10 to 15 km/h.
In the East, storms are expected across 60% of the area, with Chanthaburi and Trat facing heavy rain. Temperatures will range from 23 to 27°C at night to 30 to 34°C in the day. See waves will be 1 to 2 metres, rising above 2 metres in stormy patches.
The South’s east coast will be calmer, with thunderstorms in just 10% of the region, mainly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Yala. Temperatures are forecast to range between 22 and 25°C at night and climb to 34 to 36°C during the day. Offshore waves will be between 1 and 2 metres, higher in stormy waters.
On the west coast of the South, around 20% of the area will see storms, mostly in Ranong and Phang Nga. Temperatures will fall to 23 to 26°C at night and reach 33 to 35°C during the day. Seas off Phang Nga and further north will have waves of about 2 metres, while areas further south, from Phuket down, will see waves of 1 to 2 metres, higher in storms.
Bangkok and its surrounding provinces will face a 60% chance of thunderstorms. The capital’s temperatures will drop to 25 to 26°C overnight before climbing to 33 to 35°C by day, with southwest winds at 10 to 20 km/h, according to KhaoSod.
The TMD urged residents nationwide to remain alert to possible hazards from the intensifying monsoon and approaching typhoon.
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