Heavy rain, flash floods forecast across Thailand

The Meteorological Department issued a severe weather advisory this morning, cautioning people nationwide to brace for continuous rainfall, with torrential downpours threatening the southwestern coast, the northeast and the east.

The Met Office warned that the intense weather could trigger sudden flash floods and forest runoffs.

According to the 24-hour forecast released this morning, a relatively strong southwesterly monsoon prevailing over the northern Andaman Sea and Thailand, combined with a low-pressure cell over northern Vietnam, is bringing widespread rainfall. While the south, northeast and east will bear the brunt of the wet weather, heavy rain is also expected in parts of the north, on the central plains and Greater Bangkok.

People living in low-lying areas and near foothills are being urged to remain fully aware of the dangers of accumulated rainfall, which cause sudden inundations.

The public is also advised to take health precautions during this period of volatile weather.

Conditions at sea are expected to be hazardous, with strong winds whipping up waves of 2-3 metres in the northern Andaman Sea. In thunderstorms, wave height will be well over 3 metres.

In the southern parts of the Andaman and the northern Gulf of Thailand, waves will average around 2 metres, but could behigher in stormy areas.

All seafarers in these regions are advised to navigate with extreme caution and avoid areas of thunderstorms, while small boats in the northern Andaman Sea are being stronglyadvised to remain ashore.

Regionally, the northeast and the Andaman coast face the highest risk, with 70% of the area expecting thunderstorms and heavy to very heavy rain.

Meanwhile, in the north, on the central plains, in the east and greater Bangkok a 60% chance of rain is forecast, with isolated heavy downpours throughout the day.