UPDATE: TMD issues new Phuket rain and rough seas forecast for September 19–20
A later TMD forecast for September 19–20 puts thundershowers across 70% of the south-west coast, with isolated heavy rain in Phuket and Andaman Sea waves of 2–3 metres from Phuket northwards, above 3 metres in thunderstorms.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a later forecast within its September 17–20 warning for heavy to very heavy rain and rough seas affecting Thailand, including Phuket and the Andaman Sea. Its 24-hour outlook, from 6am on September 19 to 6am on September 20 Thailand time, forecasts thundershowers across 70% of the south-west coast, with isolated heavy rain in Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun. Very heavy rain is forecast in parts of Ranong and Phang Nga.
The initial warning forecast heavy rain in the North and Northeast from September 17, followed by parts of the Central region, East and South from September 18. The TMD warned that accumulated rainfall could cause flash floods, rapid run-off and landslides, particularly on foothill slopes near waterways and in low-lying areas. It advised people to plan travel and daily activities carefully, avoid routes prone to repeated flooding and take care on low-lying roads where water may accumulate temporarily.
The department attributed the weather pattern to a high-pressure system, or cold air mass, from China that has extended over the upper North and upper Northeast, pushing the monsoon trough southwards across the lower Central region, lower South and East. A relatively strong south-westerly monsoon is also covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand.
The TMD’s initial warning forecast Andaman Sea waves of 2–3 metres, rising above 3 metres during thunderstorms. In the later September 19–20 outlook, waves from Phuket northwards are forecast at 2–3 metres and above 3 metres during thunderstorms. From Krabi southwards, waves are expected to be around 2 metres and rise above 2 metres during thunderstorms.
Small boats in the upper Andaman Sea should remain ashore until September 20, the TMD advised. Mariners in both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand should proceed cautiously and avoid thunderstorms.
The TMD issued its first warning for the period on September 15 and its third warning at 5am on September 16. Further weather information is available through the department’s website or by calling 02-399-4012, 02-399-4013 or 1182.
