PATTAYA, Thailand – The Thai Meteorological Department has issued its fifth advisory on Tropical Storm “Maysak,” warning of increased rainfall, heavy downpours, and rough sea conditions across Thailand through July 6. As of 04.00 hrs on July 4, the storm was located over the South China Sea, approximately 170 kilometres south of Nanning, China, with maximum sustained winds of around 74 km/h. It is moving north-northwest at about 20 km/h and is expected to make landfall in southern China between July 4–5. The storm’s centre is not forecast to enter Thailand.
However, its influence, combined with a monsoon trough across the North and upper Northeast and a strengthening southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, is expected to bring widespread rainfall and isolated heavy to very heavy rain in many areas.
The worst-affected regions are expected to include the North, upper Northeast, East, and South. From July 5–6, heavy to very heavy rain is likely to persist in parts of the upper North and upper Northeast.
Sea conditions will also deteriorate, particularly in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand. Waves in the upper Andaman Sea are expected to reach 2–3 metres, and exceed 3 metres in thunderstorm areas. The lower Andaman Sea and upper Gulf may see waves around 2 metres, rising higher during storms. Authorities have urged caution for all marine vessels and advised small boats in the upper Andaman Sea to remain ashore during the affected period.
Regional Weather Forecast (06.00 hrs July 4 – 06.00 hrs July 5)
Northern region:
70% chance of thunderstorms with heavy rain in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, and Uttaradit. Temperatures range from 23–35°C with southwest winds at 10–20 km/h.
Northeastern region:
70% chance of thunderstorms with heavy rain in Loei, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Yasothon, and Ubon Ratchathani. Very heavy rain is expected in Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, and Nakhon Phanom.
Central region:
60% chance of thunderstorms with heavy rain in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. Temperatures range from 23–36°C.
Eastern region:
70% chance of thunderstorms with heavy rain, especially in Chachoengsao, Chonburi, and Rayong, with very heavy rain in Chanthaburi and Trat. Waves around 2 metres, higher in storm areas.
Southern region (East coast):
60% chance of thunderstorms with heavy rain in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan. Waves 1–2 metres, higher during storms.
Southern region (West coast):
Heavy rain expected in Ranong and Phang Nga, with waves reaching 2–3 metres in the upper Andaman Sea and over 3 metres in storm-affected areas.
Bangkok and surrounding areas:
70% chance of thunderstorms with widespread rainfall. Temperatures range from 24–34°C with southwest winds at 10–25 km/h.
The Meteorological Department urged the public to stay alert for sudden flooding, flash floods, and strong winds, particularly in high-risk and coastal areas. (TNA)
