TMD Alerts Heavy Rain Risk Across Thailand as Typhoon Kalmaegi Approaches Vietnam
Monsoon trough and weak high-pressure system fuel weather warnings for southern Thailand and coastal waters ahead of Kalmaegi’s arrival
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a nationwide warning of heavy rain, strong winds and elevated seas as a monsoon trough settles across the upper South, upper Gulf of Thailand and eastern provinces, while a weakened high-pressure system from China persists over the upper Northeast.
Isolated heavy downpours are forecast for the southern region, particularly along the east coast in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khirikhan, Chumphon and Surat Thani, and the west coast in coastal areas such as Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun.
Wave heights in the upper Andaman Sea are expected to climb to 2–3 metres and may exceed 3 metres during thunderstorms.
In the upper Gulf, waves are poised at 1–2 metres, potentially rising above 2 metres in storm conditions.
Small craft are strongly advised to stay ashore until at least 7 November, and vessels operating offshore should avoid thunderstorm zones.
Meanwhile, tropical cyclone Typhoon Kalmaegi is forecast to traverse the central South China Sea between 6-7 November and make landfall on Vietnam’s central coast before weakening as it tracks toward Laos and enters Thailand via Ubon Ratchathani on 7 November.
Though the storm’s core may not directly strike Thailand, its outer rainbands are expected to enhance rainfall across parts of the North, Northeast and South.
For the next 24 hours the TMD advises: the North region to expect isolated rain mostly around Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Tak and Lamphun with minimum temperatures around 22-24 °C and mountain-top lows of 11-14 °C; the Northeast region to see isolated rain in provinces including Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Surin, Sisaket and Ubon Ratchathani with minimums of 20-24 °C and highs of 28-32 °C; the Central region to experience isolated rain in Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom and other nearby provinces with a minimum of 23-25 °C and a maximum of 29-32 °C; the East region to see isolated rain in Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat with lows of 24-25 °C and highs of 30-32 °C; the South (east coast) to undergo scattered thundershowers, isolated heavy rain, overnight lows of 23-26 °C and daytime highs of 30-34 °C with seas around 1 metre but above 2 metres offshore; the South (west coast) to face scattered thundershowers and isolated heavy rain, lows of 23-25 °C, highs of 31-33 °C and seas at 2-3 metres or more in storms; in the Bangkok metropolitan area, isolated rain is expected, minimum temperatures of 24-25 °C and maximum around 30-32 °C.
Farmers in affected regions are urged to protect crops and property from potential flooding, while residents in upper Thailand and the upper South should guard their health amid unstable weather and maintain caution in flood-prone zones.
Offshore shipping and coastal operations are reminded to monitor sea conditions closely for the coming days.