Weatherman warns swimmers: Be careful!

PHUKET: The island’s top meteorologist has warned that people should be careful when swimming off Phuket’s beaches because of large swells generated by storms out at sea. Khun Amorn Chantanavivate, Director of the Meteorological Department, said a tropical depression over the South China Sea was causing storms in the region. He urged swimmers to check flags on beaches to see whether conditions are suitable for swimming. A green flag indicates good conditions, while a yellow one indicates that only strong swimmers should go in the water. A red flag means no one should attempt swimming. Yesterday would normally have been the hottest day for Thailand because the sun is directly overhead, but Phuket had a high of only 33°C, compared with 37.5°C last year. Khun Amorn explained that this was because of the wind, rain and clouds generated by the tropical depression.