Severe weather conditions are threatening large areas of Thailand, with torrential downpours impacting up to 80% of the north and northeast and prompting urgent warnings of widespread flash flooding and runoffs.
The Meteorological Department reports that a persistent monsoon trough, stretching across the extreme north and northeast, and a strong low-pressure cell near Hainan, China, combined with a robust southwesterly monsoon sweeping over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, will bring heavy to very heavy rainfall across northern Thailand.
In the northern region, heavy rain is expected across Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae and Kamphaeng Phet. Authorities have placed Mae Hong Son, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Tak, Phitsanulok, Phichit and Phetchabun on high alert for localised deluges and sudden flooding.
Similar hazards face the northeast, where very heavy to extreme rainfall is forecast for Loei, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, and Nakhon Phanom, alongside widespread rain across Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Mukdahan and surrounding areas.
Maritime conditions remain hazardous due to strong winds. Waves in the northern Andaman Sea and northern Gulf of Thailand are reaching heights of two to three metres, exceeding three metres in stormy areas.
Maritime authorities urge all vessels to navigate with extreme caution and strongly advise small boats to remain ashore.
