Weather warning for Andaman Sea coast
PHUKET: Heavy rains and widespread thunderstorms swept across the island over the weekend and there is the likelihood of more to come, marking the beginning of Phuket’s annual monsoon season.
Staff at the Southern Meteorological Center (West Coast), Phuket, told the Gazette that southwesterly winds of between 20 and 40 kilometers per hour – approximately Force 4 to 5 on the Beaufort Scale – could continue to produce waves of around two to three meters in height.
The center warned that small vessels should not put to sea while all other shipping in the Andaman Sea should proceed with caution.
The cause of the tempestuous conditions appears to be an active low-pressure cell in the Indian Ocean, which is forecast to move slowly north to northeastward toward western coastal areas of Thailand.
Similarly strong winds and heavy rainfall – 90.3 millimeters was recorded at Phuket International Airport on May 8 – are forecast for the coming few days. May is statistically the wettest month of the year in Phuket.
Online Gazette readers may visit thethaiger.com/weather for further information.
