The sun may not be making an appearance anytime soon in Thailand, as the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather alert for no less than 46 provinces. Yes, folks, today’s forecast might as well be brought to you by rainfall itself! On this damp day of May 22, 2025, expect heavy showers to drench Bangkok and its vicinity, while thunderstorms roar across the eastern and western southern regions. This formidable forecast covers a hefty 60% of the area—a veritable deluge waiting to happen.
As the southwest monsoon makes its way over the crisp blue tides of the Andaman Sea, the mighty coastline of Thailand, and the expanse of the Gulf of Thailand, it’s bringing along heavy gusts and the promise of rain-soaked adventures. Sound dramatic? That’s because it is. With wave heights shimmying around a gentle 1 meter under normal conditions in the Andaman Sea, things can escalate to a more thrilling 2 meters when thunderstoms crash the party. Sailors, batten down those hatches and steer clear of stormy waters—the sea’s unpredictable dance demands it.
But hold onto your umbrellas, because from May 23 to May 27, a crescendo of rainfall is expected to sweep across Thailand. The southwest monsoon is getting even beefier, teaming up with a monsoon trough sprawled over upper Thailand and the upper southern region, plotting a symphony of very heavy rain. Residents in the affected areas should batten down the hatches; flash floods and water runoffs are not merely possibilities but are likely to make an unwelcome entrance, especially for those living near waterways and lowlands.
And for the daring souls living in low-lying areas, a word of advice: Stormy adventures are best avoided. Perhaps plan for alternate routes and steer clear of flood-prone pathways. Farmers should also keep a wary eye, reinforcing their crops like their livelihoods depend on it (because they do). When the rain comes knocking, it’s all hands on deck to protect those precious fruit trees and fields!
Now, taking a tour around Thailand: Up north, thunderstorms are shaking their tambourines over 60% of the area, serenading places like Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai. Temperatures will perform a playful jig, ranging from a comfy 23-27°C before pirouetting to highs of 33-37°C. A gentle southwest zephyr will accompany, flitting at 5-15 kilometres per hour.
In the northeast, a sprinkle of showers will cover 40% of the terrain, with Loei and Udon Thani playing the principal roles. A temperature medley will keep things engaging, varying between 23-25°C and rising to 33-35°C. Here, the wind ups its game to 10-20 kilometres per hour, hoping to catch an audience.
Central Thailand won’t be missing out on the theatrics, with thunderstorms gracing 40% of the area. Towns from Nakhon Sawan to Samut Songkhram should brace themselves, with temperatures dancing from 24-26°C to a spicy 35-37°C. The wind, meanwhile, hits a steady note at 10-20 kilometers per hour.
Over in Eastern Thailand, a mighty show with thunderstorms over 60% of the land, some accompanied by heavy rain. Nakhon Nayok and Chon Buri, stand by! Temperatures will play it cool, dropping between 25-27°C and rising to a cozy 31-35°C. Prepare for winds picking up speed to 10-30 kilometers per hour and be bemused by seas under 1 meter, which can flip-over 2 meters when the thunder roars.
The southern region (east coast) is curating a less dramatic 40% chance of thunderstorms, with temperatures enjoying a vacation between 24-26°C and jetting up to 32-36°C. The winds will remain spirited at 10-30 kilometres per hour. Meanwhile, sea waves, plotting their silent mischief, won’t exceed 1 meter unless thunder decides to join the party.
On the southern region’s (west coast), however, expect a rousing performance with 60% of the terrain ready to meet thunderstorms. Ranong and Phuket are prepping in the wings for heavy rain, with temperatures coasting between 24-26°C to 32-34°C. Southwest winds will grace the stage at 15-30 kilometres per hour, while sea waves will play their piano note at 1 meter, reaching a crescendo over 2 metres during stormy overtures.
Back to the metropolitan symphony in Bangkok. Here, 60% of the area will groove to the rainfall rhythm, with heavy rain punctuating the softer showers. Temperatures will chill, ranging from a mellow 25-27°C before stepping out at 32-34°C. Winds will be at their gentle best, blowing at 10-20 kilometres per hour, in what appears to be a weather romance of sorts.
Whether you find yourself in the hustle and bustle of Bangkok or the more serene southern shores, this meteorological mash-up calls for equal parts caution and awe. Onward, brave residents of Thailand—ready your rain boots and soak in whatever surprises the skies—and sea—have in store.
Is it just me, or does the weather in Thailand seem to be getting more extreme each year?
It’s not just you, Chloe. Global warming is intensifying weather patterns everywhere. We’re seeing more frequent and severe storms as a result.
It’s really concerning. I hope the authorities are better prepared than last time!
Yeah, but it seems like the government is always caught off guard. More planning and infrastructure improvements are needed.
I have a trip planned to Bangkok next week. Should I be worried about the flood situation?
I think you should be cautious. If you’re going to travel, keep an eye on local news and have a few backup plans just in case. Better to be safe than sorry!
Thanks, Sarah! I will definitely keep that in mind. Fingers crossed things won’t get too bad.
Wave heights can reach over 2 meters during storms—that’s terrifying! What about the fishermen and those who depend on the sea for a livelihood?
Good point. Many don’t have the luxury to stay in during storms. It’s a risky business but their survival depends on it.
That’s really tough. There should be more support for these communities during extreme weather.
I agree, governments everywhere could do more to protect vulnerable workers when natural disasters hit.
Can’t blame climate change for everything. Sometimes it’s just how weather patterns work.
Sure, some weather phenomena are natural, but the frequency and intensity we’re seeing now is highly suggestive of human impact.
You may be right. I’m just cautious about jumping to conclusions without considering natural variability.
The idea of a weather ‘symphony’ is quite poetic, but it’s no joke when floods hit and livelihoods are damaged. More proactive measures need to be put in place!
True. While poetic, the reality isn’t as beautiful when lives and homes are affected.
Exactly! We need real action, not just fancy words.
I remember the floods a few years back. It was chaos! Has the government implemented any new measures since then?
Some changes have been made, like better drainage systems, but many areas still remain vulnerable.
These weather changes are just another reminder of how much we need sustainable practices to protect our planet’s future.
Why don’t we invest in better weather forecasting tech? More accurate predictions could save lives and property.
I drive tourists around Bangkok. I’ve seen it flood real bad, but people still come back. I guess the city’s charm is stronger than the storms.
We should all remember to be considerate of those more heavily impacted by such weather patterns.
Does this mean schools will be closed? I hope so because last time it rained a lot, school was out!
I live near a river, and it’s always worrying when heavy rain is forecasted. Preparedness is key!
Stay safe, Amy! It’s good you’re thinking ahead. Maybe stockpile supplies if you haven’t already.
The rhythm of rainfall might sound nice, but water levels rising is a very scary reality for too many.
All this rain is worrying for farmers like me. Flooding can wipe out entire crops, and we’ve been seeing it more often.