Thailand Braces for Heavy Rain, Flash Flood Warnings Issued

The Thai Meteorological Department has forecast a return of showers and heavy rain across the country from July 20-21, raising concerns over flash floods and overflowing rivers. The agency has issued a warning, urging close attention to the North and the western part of the Central region. From July 16-19, rainfall is expected to ease nationwide, although some areas in the North and upper Northeast will still experience heavy rain due to a lingering low-pressure area over upper Vietnam. The southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand will weaken during this period. However, from July 20-21, rain is predicted to increase again, with heavy showers anticipated in some areas, particularly in the North and the western part of the Central region. This surge is attributed to a low-pressure cell moving over Laos and upper Vietnam, coupled with a strengthening southwest monsoon. The department warned that accumulated rainfall could trigger flash floods, forest runoff, and overflowing waterways, especially in foothill areas near channels and low-lying land. Wave conditions in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are expected to remain moderate. Upper Andaman waves are forecast around 2 meters, potentially exceeding 2 meters in thundershowers. Lower Andaman waters and the upper Gulf are forecast at 1-2 meters, rising above 2 meters in stormy areas. In the North, thunderstorms are likely over 30-40% of the area from July 15-19, increasing to 40-60% on July 20-21, with isolated heavy rain. Temperatures will range from 23-27°C to 29-35°C. In Bangkok and surrounding provinces, thunderstorms are expected over 30-40% of the area on July 16-17 and again on July 21. Rainfall is forecast to ease to 20-30% from July 18-20. Temperatures will range from 26-28°C to 32-36°C. The post Flash flood warning as Thailand braces for heavy rain appeared first on Khaosod English.