Heavy rain warning issued for 36 provinces as southern Thailand faces downpours

BANGKOK — 8 November 2026, The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned of increased rainfall across southern Thailand, with heavy to very heavy rain forecast in some areas and thunderstorms covering up to 70% of the region on Sunday.

Residents have been urged to watch out for flash floods and forest runoff, particularly in foothill areas, near waterways and low-lying communities.

On 8 November 2026, the TMD issued its 24-hour weather forecast, saying rainfall would increase in the South, while rain would ease across upper Thailand. However, isolated thunderstorms were still expected, particularly in western parts of the North and Central regions.

The weather conditions are influenced by a high-pressure system or cold air mass from China covering upper Thailand and the South China Sea. This is strengthening easterly winds over the Gulf of Thailand, the South and the Andaman Sea.

The department warned that waves in areas experiencing thunderstorms in both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand could exceed two metres. Mariners were advised to navigate with caution and avoid sailing in stormy areas.

The TMD also forecast heavy rain across several parts of southern Thailand from 8 to 13 November, with very heavy rainfall possible in some locations as easterly winds strengthen.

Regional weather forecast: 8-9 November

The forecast covers the 24-hour period from 06:00 on 8 November to 06:00 on 9 November.

North:

Thunderstorms are expected across 40% of the region, mainly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Tak and Kamphaeng Phet.

Temperatures will range from 21-24°C at night to 30-34°C during the day, with easterly winds at 10-20 kph.

Northeast:

Thunderstorms are forecast in 10% of the region, mainly in Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Chaiyaphum and Nakhon Ratchasima.

Temperatures will range from 21-24°C to 33-35°C, with northeasterly winds at 10-30 kph.

Central region:

Thunderstorms are expected in 30% of the region, mainly in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram.

Temperatures will range from 21-24°C to 32-35°C, with easterly winds at 10-20 kph.

East:

Thunderstorms are forecast in 30% of the region, mainly in Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat.

Temperatures will range from 22-25°C to 33-35°C, with northeasterly winds at 15-30 kph.

Waves will be below one metre offshore and around one metre farther from the coast, but could exceed two metres in areas experiencing thunderstorms.

Southern region (eastern coast):

Thunderstorms are expected across 70% of the region, with heavy rain in parts of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Yala and Narathiwat.

Very heavy rain is forecast in some areas of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla and Pattani.

Temperatures will range from 22-25°C to 30-33°C.

From Surat Thani northwards, northeasterly winds will reach 15-30 kph, with waves around one metre and exceeding two metres in stormy areas.

From Nakhon Si Thammarat southwards, easterly winds will reach 15-35 kph, with waves of 1-2 metres and exceeding two metres during thunderstorms.

Southern region (western coast):

Thunderstorms are forecast across 70% of the region, with heavy rain in parts of Trang and Satun.

Temperatures will range from 23-26°C to 31-34°C, with easterly winds at 15-30 kph.

Waves will be around one metre near the coast and exceed one metre offshore, rising above two metres in areas experiencing thunderstorms.

Bangkok and surrounding areas:

Thunderstorms are expected across 30% of the area, with temperatures ranging from 24-26°C to 33-35°C. Northeasterly winds will reach 10-20 kph.

The department urged residents in areas affected by heavy and accumulated rainfall to remain alert for possible flash floods and forest runoff.