Heavy rain, high waves to hit Thailand due to monsoon and storm

Heavy rain and high waves are anticipated across Thailand from today, September 19 to Monday, September 23, driven by the annual monsoon and an emerging tropical storm set to impact Vietnam tomorrow.

Kornrawee Sitthichivapak, Director-General of the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), announced yesterday that the north, northeast, and central plain, including Greater Bangkok, the east, and south regions will experience significant downpours and strong winds from today until Monday. The adverse weather conditions could result in runoff and flash floods, particularly in sloping and low-lying areas and regions near waterways.

The rainfall is attributed to a depression over the upper South China Sea, located approximately 550 kilometres east of Da Nang at 10am yesterday. The depression, with wind speeds of 55 kilometres per hour at its centre, is moving westward and is expected to evolve into a tropical storm. This storm is predicted to make landfall in central Vietnam either tomorrow or Saturday before gradually weakening.

From today to Sunday, the monsoon over the Andaman Sea, the south, and the Gulf of Thailand is expected to cause heavy rain in the south. In the Andaman Sea and the upper part of the Gulf, waves could reach 2 to 4 metres, while the lower part of the Gulf may see waves around 2 metres high. During this period, boats are advised to remain ashore in these areas.

The Royal Irrigation Department revealed plans to gradually increase the discharge rate from the Chao Phraya barrage in Chai Nat province from 1,099 to 1,500 cubic metres per second. This measure is being taken ahead of the storm’s arrival in Vietnam, and it is anticipated to cause water levels in waterways across 11 provinces in the Chao Phraya River basin to rise by 60 to 100 centimetres. The affected provinces include Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Bangkok, Chai Nat, Lop Buri, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Sing Buri, Suphan Buri, and Uthai Thani.

TMD Deputy Director-General Thanasith Iamananchai confirmed yesterday afternoon that the developing storm could have a significant impact. He noted that it would affect the upper and central northeast, the lower north, and the upper part of the central plains.

“The storm’s impact could be severe.”

Residents and local officials are urged to stay vigilant and prepare for the incoming weather conditions, ensuring safety measures are in place to mitigate the impacts of heavy rainfall and high waves, reported Bangkok Post.