BANGKOK; The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning for heavy to very heavy rain, thundershowers and gusty winds across parts of Thailand from October 4 to 7.
The severe weather will begin in the North and Northeast before moving to the Central region, including Bangkok, on October 5-6, and the South.
Accumulated rainfall could trigger flash floods and forest run-off, particularly in low-lying areas and around foothills.
The warning also includes strengthened winds and waves exceeding 2 metres in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, advising mariners to navigate with caution.
The warning was issued at 5am on October 3 by Nattawut Dandee, deputy director-general acting as director-general.
Unsettled weather is expected to begin in the upper and eastern parts of the North and the Northeast before shifting towards other regions.
TMD set out the following regional forecast. On October 4, the upper and eastern parts of the North and the Northeast will be affected. On October 5-6, unsettled weather will affect the North, Central region, including Bangkok and surrounding provinces, the East and the upper South, while rainfall in the Northeast is expected to decrease. On October 7, the main areas affected will be western parts of the North and Central region, along with the South, while rainfall is forecast to ease elsewhere.
A high-pressure system, or cold air mass, extending from China over the North and upper Northeast is expected to trigger thundershowers during the initial period as the rainy season approaches its end.
The southwest monsoon will meanwhile continue to prevail over the Andaman Sea, the South and the Gulf of Thailand.
Flash flood risks and waves above 2 metres
Heavy and accumulated rainfall could cause flash floods and forest run-off, particularly around foothills near waterways and in low-lying areas.
Floodwater could also remain in low-lying locations.
TMD advised people to avoid open areas, shelter beneath large trees and avoid standing near unstable billboards during thundershowers and gusty winds.
Winds and waves are expected to strengthen in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, with waves exceeding 2 metres in areas experiencing thundershowers.
Mariners should check their routes, navigate cautiously and avoid areas affected by thundershowers.
Heavy rain continues in the East and South through October 12
The East and South are expected to experience continued rain from October 8-12, with isolated heavy to very heavy falls.
TMD urged residents to follow forecasts closely and plan daily activities and travel carefully to reduce potential risks.
