Thailand prepares for weather changes as storm approaches China

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its latest weather forecast for the coming days, warning of the tropical storm Toraji that is expected between now and tomorrow, Friday, November 15. The storm is predicted to approach the southern coast of China but will not directly affect Thailand’s weather.

The current weather patterns indicate that a high-pressure system or cool air mass covering northern and upper northeastern Thailand is weakening. This results in a slight increase in temperatures by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius in the upper part of the country, accompanied by morning fog.

Although the mornings remain cool in the northern and northeastern regions, easterly and southeasterly winds bring moisture from the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, causing isolated rain in the lower northeastern and eastern regions.

Residents in upper Thailand are advised to take care of their health due to changing weather conditions and to exercise caution when travelling in foggy areas. Farmers are also encouraged to prepare and protect their crops from potential rain damage during this period.

The TMD has updated the paths of three tropical cyclones, revealing that there will be rain from now til Sunday, November 17. The second announcement concerning the tropical storm Toraji indicates that it is expected to impact the region today and tomorrow.

The northeast monsoon covering the Gulf of Thailand and southern regions is currently weak. However, the monsoon trough passing through lower southern Thailand and Malaysia is causing reduced rainfall in the south, with isolated thunderstorms mainly in the southernmost areas.

Storm warning

In the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, waves are generally below 1 metre but can exceed 1 metre in areas with thunderstorms. Mariners are advised to avoid sailing in stormy waters.

Tropical storm Toraji is located in the upper South China Sea and is projected to move towards the southern coast of China from today and tomorrow, eventually weakening into a depression and subsequently a low-pressure system. Although the storm will not enter Thailand and does not directly impact the country’s weather, travellers to the affected regions should check the weather forecast before departing.

In the north, expect cool weather with morning fog and a slight increase in temperature. Light rain is possible in some areas, mainly in the upper regions. Temperatures range between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius at their lowest and 32 and 35 degrees Celsius at their highest.

In mountainous areas, the weather is cool to cold, with temperatures ranging from 9 to 16 degrees Celsius. Northeasterly winds are expected at speeds of 10 to 15 kilometres per hour.

The northeastern region will experience cool weather in the upper part of the region with morning fog and a slight increase in temperature. Rain is expected in 10% of the area, mainly in the provinces of Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani.

Temperatures range between 19 and 24 degrees Celsius at their lowest and 32 to 34 degrees Celsius at their highest. In highland areas, the weather is cool to cold, with temperatures ranging from 14 to 18 degrees Celsius. Northeasterly winds are expected at speeds of 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.

In the central region, expect patchy morning fog and a temperature increase of 1 to 2 degrees Celsius. Temperatures range between 22 and 25 degrees Celsius at their lowest and 33 and 35 degrees Celsius at their highest. Northeasterly winds are expected at speeds of 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.

In the eastern region, patchy morning fog and a slight increase in temperature by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius is expected. Rain is predicted in 20% of the area, mainly in the provinces of Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat.

Temperatures range between 24 and 27 degrees Celsius at their lowest and 33-35 degrees Celsius at their highest. Northeasterly winds are expected at 10 to 30 kilometres per hour, with sea waves below 1 metre, and over 1 metre in stormy areas.

In the southern region (east coast), thunderstorms are expected in 30% of the area, mainly in the provinces of Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Temperatures range between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius at their lowest and 32 and 34 degrees Celsius at their highest. Northeasterly winds are expected at speeds of 10 to 30 kilometres per hour, with sea waves below 1 metre, and over 2 metres in stormy areas.

Along the southern region (west coast), thunderstorms are expected in 30% of the area, mainly in the provinces of Krabi, Trang, and Satun. Temperatures range between 23 and 26 degrees Celsius at their lowest and 32 and 34 degrees Celsius at their highest. Easterly winds are expected at speeds of 10 to 30 kilometres per hour, with sea waves below 1 metre, and over 1 metre in stormy areas.

In Bangkok and surrounding areas, there will be partly cloudy skies with patchy morning fog and a slight increase in temperature. Temperatures range between 25 and 27 degrees Celsius at their lowest and 33 and 36 degrees Celsius at their highest. Northeasterly winds are expected at speeds of 10 to 20 kilometres per hour, reported KhaoSod.

TMD urges people to stay updated with their announcements and to follow their website for more information or call 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182 for a 24-hour weather update. The next announcement will be issued at 11pm today.