Residents across 52 Thai provinces are on alert for potential flash floods, forest runoff, and river overflows due to heavy rainfall caused by Typhoon Bualoy. The North and Northeast regions are expected to be most affected, with an 80% likelihood of heavy to very heavy rain. A maritime warning has also been issued for the upper Andaman Sea, where waves could exceed 3 meters, prompting small boats to stay ashore.
As the powerful Tropical Storm Bualoy moves toward the central South China Sea, forecasted to land in northern Vietnam around September 29-30, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a severe weather alert for the next 24 hours, warning of increasing rainfall across 52 provinces in northern, northeastern, and eastern Thailand. Areas such as Phitsanulok, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Trat are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rain, while the Bangkok metropolitan area has a 70% chance of thunderstorms and localized downpours.
The heavy weather is driven by an intense monsoon trough combined with a moderate to strong southwest monsoon. The TMD cautions residents in vulnerable areas to be prepared for flash floods, forest runoff, and river overflows, especially in low-lying and hillside regions.
Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution. Conditions in the upper Andaman Sea are particularly dangerous, with waves reaching 2-3 meters, and exceeding 3 meters during thunderstorms. All small boats in this area are required to remain ashore for at least the next 24 hours. Waves in the Gulf of Thailand and lower Andaman Sea could also reach up to 2 meters.