Heavy rain battered northern Thailand as the country's monsoon season nears.

Footage shows high winds blowing through trees while a downpour lashed homes in the Mueang District of Nan province on March 29.

Locals hoped the storm would help dissipate the toxic haze enveloping the region.

The Thai Meteorological Department said the southerly and southeasterly winds were prevailing over the country's central, eastern, and northeastern regions.

High temperatures with isolated thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected in northern Thailand, the agency said.

Thailand and other countries in Southeast Asia are approaching their annual monsoon rainy season which sees soaring temperatures followed by powerful rain storms.