Bangkok: The Meteorological Department has announced that the depression storm “Wipha” has weakened into a low-pressure area, moving to cover the northern region of Thailand today, putting 40 provinces at risk of heavy rainfall. The public is advised to remain vigilant until tomorrow as accumulated rain may lead to flooding, strong winds, and high waves, with small boats cautioned against leaving shore.
According to Thai News Agency, the Meteorological Department issued warning announcement number 14 regarding storm ‘Wipha’ and heavy to very heavy rain in Thailand. As of 01:00 a.m. today, Tropical Storm ‘Wipha’ had downgraded to a depression. By 04:00 a.m., its center was located in Xiengkhouang Province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, approximately 180 kilometers from Nan Province. It is expected to further weaken into a ‘low pressure cell’ and move to cover northern Thailand.
Mr. Somkuan Tonjan, Director of the Weather Forecasting Division, reported that satellite and radar images revealed dense cloud cover and moderate to heavy rain in many areas of upper Thailand, particularly in the northern and upper northeastern regions near the storm’s center. The monsoon trough passing through upper Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam, along with the strong southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, is causing persistent rain and strong winds across the country.
From today through tomorrow, heavy to very heavy rain is expected in 40 provinces, including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Mae Hong Son, Sukhothai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Kanchanaburi, Uthai Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Ratchaburi, Chanthaburi, Trat, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan.
The upper Andaman Sea is experiencing waves 2-4 meters high, with thunderstorms potentially increasing wave heights beyond 4 meters. The lower Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand are seeing waves 2-3 meters high, with higher waves in thunderstorm areas.
The Meteorological Department advises sailors to exercise caution and avoid sailing in thunderstorm areas. Small boats, in particular, should stay ashore until July 25, 2025.
The public is urged to closely monitor government warnings and prepare for potential emergencies, such as flooding, flash floods, mudslides, and dangers from strong winds or high waves in coastal areas. More information can be accessed at www.tmd.go.th or via the weather forecast hotline 1182, available 24 hours a day.