BANGKOK, Thailand – The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned of heavy to very heavy rain in parts of Thailand on September 1, with the North, upper Northeast, and East at risk of flash floods, runoff, and river overflows. The weather is being driven by a monsoon trough across northern and upper northeastern Thailand and a relatively strong southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand.
People in foothill areas, near waterways, and in low-lying communities should remain alert for accumulated rainfall, waterlogging, and landslides and avoid routes prone to flooding. Heavy to very heavy rain is expected in some areas through September 2, with rainfall forecast to increase nationwide from September 3 to 7 and heavy rain continuing in parts of the North, Northeast, Central Region, and East.
Rough seas are also forecast, with waves reaching 2 to 3 meters in the upper Andaman Sea and exceeding 3 meters during thunderstorms. Waves in the lower Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand are expected to reach around 2 meters and may rise higher in stormy areas. Mariners should avoid thunderstorms, while small boats in the upper Andaman Sea should remain ashore through September 2. The TMD is also monitoring Tropical Storm Soudelor over the upper South China Sea, east of Hainan Island. The storm is forecast to move closer to Taiwan between September 3 and 4 but is not expected to enter Thailand. (NNT)
