Thailand braces for rain and flooding as monsoon intensifies
Warning Issued for Heavy Rain and Potential Flooding Across Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned of further intense rainfall in various parts of Thailand from the 23rd to the 27th of May. This includes isolated periods of heavy to very heavy downpours, potentially leading to flash floods and river overflow in certain areas.
According to the fourth Weather Advisory released on Thursday, the southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand is anticipated to strengthen. Simultaneously, the monsoon trough will extend across northern Thailand and the upper southern region.
The TMD urges residents to stay vigilant, especially in low-lying regions and areas near foothills, as these are more susceptible to the accumulated rainfall. The public is also encouraged to prioritize health maintenance considering the fluctuating weather conditions.
Farmers are advised to fortify their drainage systems in agricultural areas to minimize damage to crops and livestock.
The intensifying winds are expected to produce waves of up to two meters in the upper Andaman Sea, with lesser but still significant waves in the lower Andaman Sea. Vessels navigating in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are advised to proceed with caution, taking extra care during thundershowers.
The following provinces are forecast to experience heavy rainfall:
- On the 23rd: Northern (Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Tak, Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun), Northeastern (Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani), Central (Nakhon Sawan, Lopburi, Saraburi, Ayutthaya, and Kanchanaburi), Eastern (Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat), and Southern provinces (Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun).
- On the 24th: Similar provinces to those listed for the 23rd, with some variations.
- From the 25th to the 27th: Once again, many of the provinces listed for the 23rd and 24th will be affected, with the potential for continued rainfall in flood-prone and low-lying areas.
Stay updated with official forecasts issued by the TMD for timely and accurate weather information. Travelers are recommended to avoid areas with heavy thunderstorm activity and be prepared to adjust their plans accordingly.
[sources: [1], [2], [4]]
The Thai Meteorological Department's advisory urges travelers to monitor weather conditions during this period, especially those planning trips to the mentioned provinces from the 23rd to the 27th of May, given the potential flooding and heavy rainfall. To guarantee health safety, it's essential for both travelers and residents to prioritize health maintenance as weather conditions may alter.
