Tropical storm Sonca to bring heavy rain to northeast Thailand

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning about Tropical Storm Sonca, expected to hit the northeastern regions of the country today, bringing heavy rainfall due to its slow-moving nature.

Deputy Director-General Thanasit Iam-ananchai of the TMD provided an update on the storm’s progress, which was located in Khammouane Province, Laos, approximately 130 kilometres from Nakhon Phanom Province at 10pm yesterday.

The storm is anticipated to weaken into a depression upon entering Thailand but will still cause significant rainfall, particularly in the northeastern provinces of Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan. The storm’s trajectory indicates it will impact the upper northeastern region, resulting in heavy downpours.

TMD’s tenth warning bulletin for Tropical Storm Sonca advises vigilance across 60 provinces. The updated path of the storm suggests it will primarily affect the northeastern region today, with heavy rainfall expected.

Provinces likely to be impacted include Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Sakon Nakhon, Kalasin, as well as parts of Roi Et, Surin, Buriram, Maha Sarakham, Khon Kaen. Upper northeastern provinces such as Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, and Sisaket are also expected to experience significant rainfall.

Other regions will face sporadic impacts from the storm’s outer bands. In the northern region, provinces such as Nan, Lamphun, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Uttaradit, and Sukhothai are on alert for varying levels of rainfall, said Thanasit.

“Today, the storm enters Thailand and will maintain its depression status as it moves westward. It is expected to weaken to a low-pressure area when it reaches central Thailand.

“The northeastern region, especially the central and upper parts, will be the most affected. Tomorrow, September 21, the storm’s path will extend to the northern, central, and upper central regions. Although rainfall will not be as intense today, heavy rain is still anticipated.”

Additionally, he mentioned that the lower central region and Bangkok will experience rainfall, though not as severe.

The southern provinces will continue to see persistent rain due to the influence of a strong southwestern monsoon, which also affects the eastern region, resulting in light to heavy showers, reported KhaoSod.