Phuket waters face rough conditions as Thailand warns of heavy rain
Southwesterly winds from Phuket southwards are forecast to reach 15-35km/h, with waves rising above 2 metres during thunderstorms.
Marine conditions from Phuket southwards are forecast to bring southwesterly winds of 15-35km/h on Saturday, August 22, with waves reaching 1-2 metres and rising above 2 metres during thunderstorms, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD).
The warning covers the 24-hour period from 6am on Saturday to 6am on Sunday. The TMD said thunderstorms would affect large parts of Thailand, while heavy rain was forecast in 21 provinces. Accumulated rainfall could trigger flash floods, rapid run-off and overflowing rivers.
Waves in the upper Andaman Sea are expected to reach 2-3 metres and exceed 3 metres during thunderstorms. Mariners have been advised to proceed with caution and avoid storm areas, while small boats in the upper Andaman Sea should remain ashore.
The weather is being driven by a monsoon trough and a strong southwesterly monsoon. A depression over China’s Hainan Island is forecast to strengthen into a tropical storm before making landfall in southern Guangxi, China, on August 24-25, but the TMD said it was not expected to enter Thailand.
