The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather forecast for August 23, warning of heavy rain and localised flooding across the North, upper Northeast, Central and Eastern regions over the next 24 hours. Residents in low-lying and foothill areas are urged to stay alert.
The wet weather stems from a monsoon trough crossing the upper North and northern Laos, which feeds into tropical storm Narra over the Gulf of Tonkin. A fairly strong southwest monsoon is also sweeping the Andaman Sea, mainland Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand, raising the risk of flash floods, forest runoff and riverbank overflow, particularly near mountain slopes and waterways.
North
Thunderstorms will cover 60% of the area, with heavy rain in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun and Tak. Temperatures will range from 22 to 27 degrees Celsius at the low end and 32 to 34 degrees at the high end, with southwest winds of 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.
Northeast
Rain is expected over 40% of the area, with heavy falls in Nong Khai, Bueng Kan and Nakhon Phanom. Temperatures will range from 23 to 25 degrees at the low end and 32 to 33 degrees at the high end, with southwest winds of 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.
Central
Thunderstorms will cover 60% of the region, with heavy rain in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi. Temperatures will range from 23 to 25 degrees at the low end and 31 to 33 degrees at the high end, with southwest winds of 10 to 25 kilometres per hour.
East
Rain will cover 60% of the area, with heavy falls in Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi and Trat. Temperatures will range from 24 to 27 degrees at the low end and 32 to 33 degrees at the high end, with southwest winds of 20 to 35 kilometres per hour. Sea waves will reach about 2 metres, rising above 2 metres in thunderstorm areas.
South East Coast
Rain will affect 30% of the area, mainly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon and Surat Thani. Temperatures will range from 23 to 25 degrees at the low end and 31 to 37 degrees at the high end. From Surat Thani northward, southwest winds of 20 to 35 kilometres per hour will bring seas of 1 to 2 metres, rising to about 2 metres further offshore and above 2 metres in thunderstorm areas. From Nakhon Si Thammarat southward, southwest winds of 15 to 35 kilometres per hour will bring seas of about 1 metre, rising to 1 to 2 metres offshore and above 2 metres in thunderstorm areas.
South West Coast
Rain will cover 30% of the area, with heavy falls in Ranong. Temperatures will range from 23 to 25 degrees at the low end and 32 to 35 degrees at the high end. From Phang Nga northward, southwest winds of 20 to 40 kilometres per hour will bring seas of 2 to 3 metres, rising above 3 metres in thunderstorm areas. From Phuket southward, southwest winds of 15 to 35 kilometres per hour will bring seas of 1 to 2 metres, rising above 2 metres in thunderstorm areas.
Bangkok and Vicinity
Thunderstorms will cover 70% of the capital and surrounding areas. Temperatures will range from 25 to 26 degrees at the low end and 31 to 32 degrees at the high end, with southwest winds of 10 to 25 kilometres per hour.
Sea Conditions
The upper Andaman Sea will see fairly strong conditions, with waves of 2 to 3 metres and above 3 metres in thunderstorm areas. The upper Gulf of Thailand will see waves of about 2 metres, rising above 2 metres in thunderstorm areas. Ships in both areas should navigate with caution and avoid thunderstorm zones, while small boats in the upper Andaman Sea should stay ashore for the time being.
Tropical storm Narra, currently over the Gulf of Tonkin, is expected to make landfall in southern Guangxi, China, between August 24 and 25. The storm is not forecast to enter Thailand and will have no direct impact on the country’s weather, though travellers heading to southern China during that period are advised to check conditions before departure.
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