Meteorological Department Warns of Monsoon Battering Thailand, South Most Severe at 70% with Thunderstorms, High Seas in Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand
Thailand's Meteorological Department warns of intensifying southwest monsoons bringing heavy thunderstorms and rainfall to the south through May 29, with the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand experiencing waves up to 3 meters in storm areas.
The Thai Meteorological Department issued a weather forecast for the next 24 hours warning of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in some areas of Thailand's southern west coast, driven by moderate strength southwest monsoons covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. Citizens are urged to exercise caution regarding dangers from heavy rainfall and accumulated precipitation. Wave conditions in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand are moderate, with the upper Andaman Sea experiencing waves of approximately 2 meters, while the lower Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand have waves of 1-2 meters. Thunderstorm areas may see waves exceeding 2 meters, and boat operators are advised to navigate carefully and avoid thunderstorm zones. From May 28-29, the southern region expects increased rainfall with heavy to very heavy precipitation in many areas, primarily along the west coast, as the southwest monsoon intensifies. The upper Andaman Sea will experience waves of 2-3 meters, with thunderstorm areas seeing waves exceeding 3 meters. Detailed 24-hour forecasts include thunderstorms in 30-40% of northern, northeastern, central, and eastern regions with temperatures ranging from 22-27°C low to 36-39°C high and southwest winds at 10-35 km/h. The southern east coast expects 40% thunderstorms in Chumphon, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat with waves of 1-2 meters offshore. The southern west coast faces the most severe conditions with 70% thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in Ranong, Phang Nga, and Phuket, with wave heights of 2 meters and exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.