A stormy affair: TMD warns of a monsoon downpour in Thailand

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a stark warning as a monsoon covers the Gulf of Thailand, promising a deluge in the upper southern region.

The prospect of flash floods, mudslides, and waves towering up to 2 metres looms ominously. A sea-faring life? Not much smooth sailing for Thailand’s fishermen, who are urged to exercise extreme caution. But don’t cancel those Thai holiday plans just yet.

Word from the weather wizards is that Tropical Storms Yinxing and Toraji won’t be crashing this party – they won’t hit Thailand’s shores, instead making a detour towards Vietnam and skirting around to southern China.

This isn’t the only airborne drama! A high-pressure system, or a cold air mass from China is flexing its muscles over Thailand’s upper regions, despite weakening. The result? A cool and foggy morning for folks up north. The TMD advises pulling out the winter woollies and taking care of your health as temperatures fluctuate.

The monsoon trough is causing a soggy stir through the lower southern region and across to Malaysia, coupled with a moderate northeast monsoon blowing over the Gulf, leading to a serious soak in some southern areas.

Dangerous downpour alert! Residents in these rain-battered regions are on red alert. The looming threat of flash floods and forest runoffs means those on hillsides and near waterways must remain vigilant.

Andaman Sea

Surfers might find the waves in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea too gnarly for comfort, especially during thunderstorms where they swell beyond 2 metres.

For all adventurers and sea lovers, it’s chaos in the deep blue sea. Fishermen are advised to steer clear of stormy waters and play it safe.

While ‘Yinxing’ is gallivanting near central Vietnam, this storm is expected to fizzle into a mere depression. Toraji won’t be making landfall in Thailand either, opting instead for a rendezvous near Hainan Island and southern China from November 14-15. Travel planners are advised to keep an eye on conditions if venturing into these stormy territories.

Here’s a sneak peek at the weather that’s headed your way from 6am today to 6am tomorrow.

• North: Embrace the chill with morning fog; temperatures dip to 18°C and climb to a pleasant 34°C.
• Northeast: Expect a cool, slightly damp affair with early fog and the chance of a drizzle.
• Central: Foggy mornings are set to return, with a range from 21°C to 34°C.
• East: A mixed bag with some fog and potential rain – brace for seas with metre-high waves, stretching to 2 metres offshore during storms.
• South (East Coast): Thunderstorms are ready to roar in 60% of the area, with heavy rain in pockets; sea waves could surpass 2 metres during tempests.
• South (West Coast): A sprinkle of thunderstorms is expected in 40% of the region with a risk of heavy showers; ocean waves touch upwards of 2 metres during thunderous outbursts.
• Bangkok and Surrounds: A partly cloudy setup with morning fog on the horizon, hitting up to a steamy 35°C.

Stay safe, folks, and don’t forget those brollies if you’re stepping out in the Land of Smiles.