Bangkok: The Meteorological Department has issued a warning for 10 provinces in Thailand, urging residents to brace for heavy rain that poses risks of flash floods and mudslides, particularly in mountainous regions and areas close to waterways and lowlands.
According to Thai News Agency, the department forecasts heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds in several areas, with particularly severe conditions expected in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Lampang, Phrae, Uttaradit, Tak, Nong Khai, and Bueng Kan. The prevailing weather is attributed to a strong southwest monsoon affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, as well as a monsoon trough across northern Myanmar and northern Laos. Additionally, Tropical Storm ‘Wipha’ has weakened to a depression in Xiengkhouang Province, Laos, and is anticipated to further weaken into a low-pressure cell.
The upper Andaman Sea is expected to experience strong waves reaching heights of 2-4 meters, with waves potentially exceeding 4 meters in stormy conditions. The lower Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand may see wave heights of 2-3 meters, rising to over 3 meters during storms. Mariners in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are advised to navigate cautiously and avoid areas with thunderstorms, while smaller vessels in these regions should remain ashore.
The regional weather forecast for July 23, 2025, indicates a 70% chance of thunderstorms in Bangkok and surrounding areas, with temperatures ranging from 25-27 degrees Celsius at night to 31-33 degrees Celsius during the day. The northern region is expected to have thunderstorms in 80% of the area, with heavy rain and strong winds in several provinces, while the northeastern region will see similar conditions in 70% of its area. The central and eastern regions are also projected to experience thunderstorms and heavy rain in 70% of their areas.
In the southern regions, both the east and west coasts will face thunderstorms in 30% of their areas, with strong winds and heavy rain. The waves are expected to be particularly high in stormy conditions, posing additional challenges for coastal and maritime activities.