Tropical storm Wipha weakens, heavy rain and strong winds expected across Thailand
Tropical storm Wipha weakens into a depression, but heavy rain and strong winds are still expected in Thailand, with a risk of flash floods and rough seas.
The strong southwest monsoon continues to dominate the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, while the monsoon trough stretches across upper Myanmar and upper Laos, the Thai Meteorological Department said on Wednesday.
At the same time, severe tropical storm Wipha has been downgraded to a tropical depression over Xiangkhouang province, Laos, and is expected to weaken further into an active low-pressure system.
Despite this, isolated heavy rain and strong winds are still likely across Thailand. The North, Northeast, Central, and East regions may experience very heavy rainfall, with the possibility of flash floods and overflows, especially along waterways near foothills and lowlands. Residents in these areas are advised to remain vigilant.
In the Andaman Sea, strong winds will cause waves to reach 2–4 meters in height, and over 3 meters during thundershowers. The lower Andaman Sea and upper Gulf will see waves of 2–3 meters, with thundershowers pushing the waves above 3 meters in some areas.
All vessels in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf should proceed with caution and avoid thundershowers. Small boats in these areas should stay ashore.
The weather forecast for the next 24 hours is as follows:
North: Fairly widespread thundershowers with strong wind and isolated heavy to very heavy rain in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun; minimum temperature 22-25 degrees Celsius, maximum 26-30°C.
Northeast: Fairly widespread thundershowers with strong wind and isolated heavy to very heavy rain in Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon and Nakhon Phanom; minimum 22-26°C, maximum 29-33°C.
Central: Fairly widespread thundershowers with strong wind and isolated heavy to very heavy rain in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi; minimum 22-25°C, maximum 30-33°C.
East: Fairly widespread thundershowers with strong wind and isolated heavy rain in Nakhon Nayok, Chanthaburi and Trat; minimum 23-28°C, maximum 30-32°C; waves about 2-3 metres high and above 3 metres high in thundershowers.
South (east coast): Isolated thundershowers with strong wins and isolated heavy rain in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan; minimum 23-25°C, maximum 32-36°C; waves 2-3 metres high and above 3 metres high in thundershowers.
South (west coast): Isolated thundershowers with strong wind mostly in Ranong and Phang Nga; minimum 24-27°C, maximum 32-34°C; waves 2-4 metres high and above 4 metres high in thundershowers.
Bangkok metropolitan area: Fairly widespread thundershowers; minimum 25-27°C, maximum 31-33°C.
