Heavy rain has buffeted the capital for several days in the middle of the hot season, leading Deputy Governor Bannasopit Mekwichai to believe that it was the result of global warming.

Governor Apirak Kosayodhin said heavy rains and associated thunderstorms across the capital yesterday morning had created temporary flooding.

There was traffic congestion between Lat Phrao 87 and Lat Phrao 122 where flooding was bad. City council workers quickly drained the water.

Apirak said the stormy weather was expected to continue.

The city's Nong Khaem district saw the heaviest rainfall with 110.5 millimetres between Sunday and yesterday morning. Thawee Watthana district received 66mm during the same period.

Total rainfall for the city this year is now 140mm.

The BMA flood prevention and mitigation centre was reactivated on April 1 and is working with city police to cope with road congestion. It is checking more than 1,400 advertising hoardings for safety.

Apirak said 120 trees had been felled by the recent storms but no other damage had been recorded.

The Bangkok Emergency Service Team is handling around-the-clock road accidents and stalled vehicles. It and the Metropolitan Electricity Authority are prepared for power cuts to floodgates, Apirak said.

Yan Nawa district chief Sanob Tangjitsomboon said almost 22 kilometres of drainpipes would be cleared in 32 sois between now and July 17 to reduce wet-season flooding.

The Meteorological Department warned heavy rain would prevail in Eastern, South and Central Thailand until Thursday.

Flash-flood warnings have been issued for Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phatthalung.

Temperatures in the capital are forecast between 24 and 35 degrees Celsius, the department said.

Public Health Deputy Minister Morakot Kornkasem said hospitals and clinics were prepared for flood-related illnesses.