The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecast widespread heavy rain across the country on Sunday (August 24) as tropical storm Kajiki intensifies.

According to the TMD, the southwest monsoon prevailing over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf is strengthening, while the monsoon trough extends across the North and upper Northeast into a low-pressure system over central Vietnam.

This will bring isolated heavy rain nationwide, with very heavy rain likely in the upper Northeast. The department has advised the public to beware of flash floods, water accumulation, and strong winds.

The TMD further warned that strong winds will generate waves two to three metres high in the upper Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf, and above three metres in areas experiencing thundershowers.

In the lower Andaman Sea and lower Gulf, waves of about two metres are expected, rising higher during storms. All vessels are urged to exercise caution, and small boats in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf should remain ashore.

In addition, the TMD noted that severe tropical storm Kajiki, currently over the upper South China Sea, is expected to make landfall in Vietnam and upper Laos during August 25–26.

The storm will bring further heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds to northern and upper northeastern Thailand between August 24–27.

Today’s weather forecast

North: Fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy rains in Nan, Lampang, Phrae, Tak, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun; Minimum temperature 21-24 °C; Maximum temperature 27-33 °C.

Northeast: Fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy to very heavy rain in Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin and Mukdahan; Minimum temperature 23-25 °C; Maximum temperature 27-32 °C.

Central: Fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy rain in Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi and Lopburi; Minimum temperature 24-25 °C; Maximum temperature 31-33 °C.

East: Fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy rain in Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Chanthaburi and Trat; Minimum temperature 24-27 °C; Maximum temperature 29-32 °C.

South (East Coast): Scattered thundershowers and isolated heavy rain in Phetchaburi; Minimum temperature 23-26 °C; Maximum temperature 32-34 °C.

South (West Coast): Fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy rain in Ranong, Phang Nga and Phuket; Minimum temperature 22-25 °C; Maximum temperature 30-33 °C.