The Meteorological Department on Wednesday issued a warning for people in northern, northeastern, eastern and southern parts of the country to prepare for widespread scattered rain with heavy falls in some areas and possible floods from today to Friday.

The department said a high pressure area from China now covering the Northeast coupled with the Southwest monsoon prevailing over the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea will cause widespread scattered rain on the upper and northeastern parts.

People living near hillsides were recommended to prepare for heavy rain and flash flooding.

As strong wind could generate 2 to 3-metre-high waves in the Andaman Sea, all shipping should proceed with caution from today to May 18, the department said.