Dear Thailand residents and visitors, prepare your umbrellas and rain boots! The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has advised that May 19 is turning into a splashy affair with 42 provinces, including the bustling heart of Bangkok, expecting heavy downpours. With a 60% chance of precipitation, it’s best to brace for potential flash floods and water runoffs. The atmospheric drama doesn’t stop there, as high waves are predicted to crash upon the shores of the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.
But wait—there’s a silver lining in our cloudy forecast! In the next 24 hours, rainfall is expected to ease, with thunderstorms and heavy rain limited to certain areas. Nonetheless, keep an eye on the sky and stay away from areas prone to sudden floods, especially if you’re near the mountains or in low-lying regions. This sporadic weather is courtesy of the southwestern monsoon, which is currently hovering over the Andaman Sea and western Thailand, making itself comfortable while weakened southeasterly and southern winds are sweeping over the lower northern, northeastern, central, and eastern regions.
In a tale of two seas, while the Andaman Sea is set to show off with waves soaring to 1 meter high—or more for those encountering thunderstorms—the Gulf of Thailand is predicted to be a little more laid-back with waves under a meter. But beware, thunderstorm-laden waters could see waves surging beyond 2 meters! Mariners, as tempting as the sea is, best to exercise utmost caution and steer clear of any brewing storms.
Now, for a whirlwind tour around Thailand’s regions: Northern Thailand is buckling in for thunderstorms rolling over 60% of the area. Heavy rain is anticipated to drop by in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun. Temperatures are expected to swing between cool amusement park chills of 23 to 25°C and summer fair highs of 33 to 37°C, with the southwest winds playing at 5 to 15 km/h.
The northeastern skies are also rumbling with a 60% chance of thunderstorms and some robust rain set to visit Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, and Nakhon Ratchasima. Expect the thermometer to show a range between 24 and 26°C in the early hours, climbing to 33 to 35°C as the day wears on, blended with southeasterly winds cruising at 10 to 20 km/h.
In central Thailand, thunderstorm seekers can expect drama in 60% of the region, with a focus on Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Lopburi, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. Temperatures are gearing up for a mild 24 to 26°C start, heating up to 33 to 36°C, accompanied by southern winds pacing at 10 to 20 km/h.
A similar forecast awaits eastern Thailand, with thunderous clouds looming over 60% of the area. Expect to be drenched in places like Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Sa Kaeo, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Temperatures will hover closely around 25 to 26°C in the wee hours, promising a warm 33 to 35°C later, with southeasterly winds breezing at 10 to 30 km/h.
The southern region’s eastern coast isn’t escaping the unsettled weather, either, with a 60% chance of thunderstorms and heavy skies expected over Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. As temperatures flirt between 24 to 27°C and 34 to 36°C, southeasterly winds will dance at 10 to 30 km/h. Here, the sea will generally display waves less than 1 meter, with exceptions during stormy fits.
As you saunter over to the western coast, don’t be surprised by similar thunderous performances predicted over 60% of the area, particularly in Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. Sweet summer delights of 24 to 26°C will ascend to toastier 33 to 36°C with southwest winds whizzing at 15 to 30 km/h.
Even the capital, Bangkok, isn’t missing out on the stormy spectacle. Aided by southern winds at 10 to 20 km/h, 60% of Bangkok and its vicinity will face thunderstorms with a side order of heavy rain. Temperatures will sit comfortably between 26 and 27°C and rise as afternoon heat amps up to 34 or 35°C.
Alongside the weather, there’s news aplenty! Nonthaburi’s canal walkway deals with safety concerns, Koh Samet mourns an Indian man found lifeless after disappearing, and Chon Buri hosts a mysterious blaze engulfing a BMW X3. And in Udon Thani, lightning tragically claimed two lives. Meanwhile, Thai Airways’ comeback plan is ready to soar, and in Bangkok, authorities have nabbed a taxi driver for an inappropriate act, while a sizzling net removal from a coral reef marks a call for help. Oh, what a stormy day it promises to be!
Wow, 42 provinces! That’s almost the whole country, isn’t it? It’s going to be a tough day for many people…
Yeah, it’s pretty much everywhere. I just hope the infrastructure can handle it. We don’t want another flood disaster.
Don’t worry, the government should have prepared by now. We’ve had worse.
It’s just nature doing its thing. We should be grateful for the rain. After all, it’s good for the crops!
I can’t believe this weather is affecting Bangkok too. Let’s hope commuters have a backup plan for their travels.
I just arrived in Thailand for a vacation. Is it even safe to go out with this forecast?
It depends. Stick to urban areas and avoid the beaches. The city should still function normally but be ready for some delays.
It’s part of the adventure! Just stay updated with local news and alerts. And carry an umbrella. Always.
What about the marine life with all these high waves? Seems like they might be in trouble.
Short-term, these events can be disruptive for marine life. Long-term, ecosystems are surprisingly resilient.
That’s a relief. Hope the fishing industry isn’t hit too hard.
Honestly, I’m excited about the weather. It’s not every day you see nature in full force!
Sure, as long as you’re safely watching from inside your home!
It’s scary how lightning can still claim lives. Safety needs to be a priority. Keep indoors, folks.
Lightning is no joke, it’s always a reminder of nature’s power. Sad to hear about the tragedy in Udon Thani.
What’s the government doing about these recurring storms? It’s high time there’s a national plan in place.
They do have a disaster management plan. The issue is more about local responses and coordination. Improvement is an ongoing process.
I hope they’re investing more into these plans because lives are at stake.
Super worried about the traffic jams. Rain always makes it worse!
Tell me about it. Time to work from home, if possible. Avoid the chaos!
I think seeing the positive side is important. The rain helps keep the environment green and lush!
Does anyone know how long the storms usually last? Need to plan my week ahead.
Typically, storms here can last a few hours, but heavy rains might linger. It’s good to keep flexible plans.
Props to the Meteorological team for timely warnings. It really aids in preparedness.
Absolutely, they’ve got a challenging job but they’re doing great!
Living near the coast is both beautiful and terrifying. I’m curious how coastal towns are bracing for impact.
I don’t get why people panic. It’s just some rain. We should be used to it by now!
Not all rain is the same. A storm can be way different than a drizzle.
The news about the taxi driver in Bangkok is just as stormy, if you ask me. It’s a wild week!
That’s the kind of stuff that happens when you least expect it! Hopefully, things will calm down soon.