Intense rainfall forecasted throughout Thailand, despite diminished monsoon conditions
In a breaking news update, Thailand is currently grappling with heavy rainfall and flood risks, despite a relatively weaker monsoon pattern this season. The Thai Meteorological Department has issued warnings for continued isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall across the country.
The South (west coast) of Thailand has been hit hard, with fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy rain in Ranong, Phangnga, Phuket, and Krabi. Waves as high as 2 metres and above 2 metres in thundershowers have been reported, making maritime conditions hazardous. Residents in low-lying zones and near foothills are advised to stay vigilant for flash floods and avoid unsafe travel during thunderstorms.
The heavy rain is due to a low-pressure cell over upper Myanmar and Laos that is combining with the moderate southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. This convergence is producing widespread thunderstorms and heavy showers across the country, especially in the North, Central, and Eastern regions.
Additionally, a tropical depression near the eastern Philippines is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm, expected to move across the upper Philippines into the South China Sea from July 19–24. This will further strengthen the southwest monsoon circulation, leading to increased rainfall across Thailand.
The monsoon trough positioned over northern Thailand is also interacting with the southwest monsoon winds, resulting in heavy to very heavy rain showers and localized flash floods, particularly in flood-prone and low-lying areas like Nan, Chiang Rai, and adjacent provinces.
In the past few days, several severe weather events have occurred. On July 1, Pattaya city experienced a sudden monsoon downpour dropping over 120 millimeters of rain within two hours, causing severe flash floods that submerged roads and swept away vehicles. On July 17, Nan province was hit by flash floods and heavy rain that inundated homes and caused emergency responses.
Looking ahead, from July 19 through 23, heavy rainfall is expected to continue, especially in the North, Northeast, Central regions, and Bangkok metropolitan area. The Royal Irrigation Department is actively managing dam water levels and preparing equipment and personnel to assist with potential flooding.
In the next 24 hours, the North of Thailand is expected to have fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy to very heavy rain in several provinces, with minimum temperatures between 23-27 degrees Celsius and maximum temperatures between 30-35°C. The South (east coast) and the Central region of Thailand are also expected to experience similar weather conditions.
Residents in the affected areas are urged to be vigilant for potential flash floods and runoff, particularly in areas near foothills, waterways, and low-lying terrain. All vessels in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf are advised to navigate with caution and avoid areas with thundershowers.
In summary, while the monsoon is considered weaker overall, localized atmospheric interactions and tropical disturbances are driving episodes of heavy rainfall and flash floods across Thailand in mid to late July 2025. The Thai Meteorological Department will continue to monitor the situation closely and issue updates as necessary.
The heavy rain and flash floods currently affecting Thailand are not only driven by the weaker monsoon pattern but also by the interaction between a low-pressure cell over upper Myanmar and Laos, and the moderate southwest monsoon. Additionally, the political and cultural response to this crisis is evident in the meteorological department's warnings and the residents' vigilance, as they navigate unsafe travel conditions and prepare for potential floods.
