PATTAYA, Thailand – The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) updated the path of Tropical Storm Kalmaegi in the western Pacific Ocean (east of the Philippines) on the morning of November 2. The storm is moving westward, expected to cross central Philippines into the South China Sea. Between November 6–8, Kalmaegi is forecast to approach the Vietnamese coast, where it may weaken quickly upon meeting cooler air. Authorities will continue to monitor the storm’s strength and direction closely, as conditions may change.
The TMD issued its 12th weather advisory (319/2568), warning of unstable weather in Thailand. Today, the upper part of the country and southern highlands are experiencing heavy rain in certain areas, particularly in Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan. The heavy rain is caused by a strong monsoon trough passing through the upper southern and eastern regions and interacting with a low-pressure system in the central South China Sea, combined with easterly and southeast winds covering the northern and central regions.
Farmers are urged to take precautions to protect crops and property. Residents are advised to monitor health, be cautious when traveling in heavy rain, and watch for potential flooding in low-lying areas. Regular updates from the TMD can be accessed at www.tmd.go.th or via the 24-hour hotline at 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182.
A popular weather alert page also warned that northern Thailand should prepare for heavy early-winter rains. The latest ECMWF storm model shows Kalmaegi reaching the upper northern provinces, particularly Nan, Phayao, Phrae, and Chiang Rai, from November 7–9. The first areas affected will be the eastern lower and central sections of Isaan. Additional westerly wind currents from Myanmar on November 10–11 may bring more heavy rain to upper northern Thailand.
The storm is expected to weaken in the lower northern provinces, but heavy rainfall will focus on the upper north. This is unusual for early November, marking a potential early-winter flooding risk. Rainfall accumulation is already high in Sukhothai, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Ratchaburi, with some areas like Thung Si Liam in Sukhothai projected to exceed 300 millimeters if rain persists overnight. Overall, many areas in northern Thailand could see total rainfall reach 250–300 millimeters by November 11.
