Heavy rain sweeps Thailand, southwestern coast hardest hit

Continuous heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast for most of Thailand, with the western coast of the southern region being advised to brace for severe downpours, the Meteorological Department announced on Thursday. The southwestern coat will see thunderstorms covering 70% of the area.

People living in at-risk areas have been urged to stay alert for flash floods and forest runoff, especially people residing near foothills, waterways and in low-lying areas.

A relatively strong southwestern monsoon over the northern Andaman Sea and inland, combined with a low-pressure cell covering the north and northeast, is triggering the widespread wet weather.

In northern areas of the Andaman Sea, strong winds are expected to generate waves between 2 and 3 metres high, and over 3 metres during thundershowers. Small boats have been advised to remain ashore, while all mariners are urged to navigate with caution and avoid stormy areas.

Regional 24-hour forecasts from 6am Thursday:

· North: Thundershowers are forecast for 60% of the area, with heavy rain expected in Nan, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phitsanuloke and Phetchabun provinces. Temperatures will range from minimums of 23–26°C to maximums of 32–37°C.

· Northeast: Rainfall is expected across 60% of the region, with heavy downpours likely in Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakhon Nakhon and Nakhon Phanom. Temperatures will range between 23–25°C and 31–35°C.

· Central Plains: Thunderstorms will cover 60% of the area, with isolated heavy rain in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi. Temperatures are forecast at 24–27°C minimum and 33–36°C maximum.

· East: Rain is forecast for 60% of the region, with heavy falls in Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat. Temperatures will range from 24–29°C to 32–36°C. Waves in coastal areas are expected to reach about 2 metres, and exceed 2 metres during storms.

· South (East Coast): Thunderstorms will affect 60% of the area, with heavy rain in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung and Songkhla. Temperatures will range between 24–26°C and 31–36°C.

· South (West Coast): The worst-hit region will see thunderstorms covering 70% of the area. Heavy rain is expected in Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun, while Ranong and Phang Nga face very heavy downpours. Temperatures will hover between 23–26°C and 27–30°C.

· Bangkok: Scattered thunderstorms are forecast for 40% of the metropolitan area. Temperatures will range from a minimum of 26–28°C to a maximum of 35–37°C.