BANGKOK, Thailand – The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has established a special monitoring center to closely track Tropical Storm “Kalmaegi,” which is expected to weaken into a tropical depression as it moves into Thailand on November 7 — marking the first storm to make landfall in the country this year. The system is forecast to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall across many regions.
TMD Director-General Sukanyanee Yawincharn said that as of today, Kalmaegi’s center was located over the central South China Sea with maximum sustained winds of about 150 km/h, moving westward. The storm is forecast to make landfall in central Vietnam between November 6–7, before weakening into a tropical storm and then a depression as it passes through Laos and into Ubon Ratchathani province, where it will begin affecting Thailand with heavy rain.
The department warned that November 7 will be the most critical day for monitoring, as forecast models indicate rainfall accumulation between 100–150 millimeters, and up to 200 millimeters in some areas. The lower northeastern provinces—Ubon Ratchathani, Amnat Charoen, Yasothon, Si Sa Ket, Roi Et, Maha Sarakham, Surin, Buri Ram, and Nakhon Ratchasima—are highlighted in red on rainfall maps, indicating a high risk of flash floods and severe flooding.
Rain bands associated with the storm are also expected to spread across upper northeastern, central, and eastern regions, including Bangkok and surrounding provinces, from November 7–9, potentially causing widespread rainfall.
The TMD cautioned that continued rainfall may lead to rising water levels, particularly in low-lying and mountainous areas of the lower Northeast and East. With the ground already saturated from previous rains, the risk of flash floods and runoff remains high.
Sukanyanee added that storm clouds will begin to move into Thailand tonight (Nov 6) and early tomorrow, bringing initial rainfall before Kalmaegi enters the country fully on November 7. Authorities and residents in at-risk areas are advised to prepare in advance.
After the storm dissipates, cooler weather is expected in upper Thailand, especially in the North and upper Northeast, where temperatures will gradually drop, reaching the coldest period of the season between December and January. Mountainous and highland areas are expected to experience very cold conditions.
The director-general also noted that tropical storms in November are rare, as most of Thailand has already entered the cool season. Historically, only three storms have entered Thailand in early November—in 1973, 1984, and 1996. This year’s weak La Niña condition increases the likelihood of storms moving further west than usual. (TNA)
