BANGKOK, Thailand – The Thai Meteorological Department has warned that a tropical depression over the upper South China Sea is likely to intensify into a tropical storm. While the system is not expected to make direct landfall in Thailand, its indirect influence will push the monsoon trough across the central region, bringing increased rainfall to upper Thailand, with some areas experiencing heavy to very heavy downpours through early October.
Somkuan Tonchan, Director of the Weather Forecast Division, said the storm’s center was located at latitude 19.0°N, longitude 120.0°E, over the Philippines before moving into the upper South China Sea this morning (Sept 18). With maximum sustained winds of around 55 km/h, it is moving slightly northwest at about 15 km/h and is expected to make landfall in southern China between Sept 19–20.
Although the storm will not hit Thailand directly, its influence will intensify the southwest monsoon and shift the monsoon trough over the lower North, upper Central, and Northeast regions. From Sept 18–25, several provinces — particularly Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Chanthaburi, and Trat — face risks of flash floods, runoff, and urban flooding in low-lying areas.
The department is also monitoring a low-pressure system forming over the South China Sea, which could develop into another storm between Sept 25–26. Authorities advise the public to stay alert to possible severe weather, monitor updates closely, and follow official announcements via www.tmd.go.th or the 24-hour hotline 1182. (TNA)
