Thailand on alert for heavier rain with tropical storm expected from July 4 to 6

Thailand is bracing for potentially heavier rainfall across several regions as a tropical depression over the central South China Sea moves westward. While the system is not expected to make direct landfall in Thailand, disaster authorities have issued warnings for increased precipitation from July 2 to July 6.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), monitoring weather data, noted the depression's trajectory. It is projected to intensify into a tropical storm between July 4 and 6 before crossing Hainan Island and making landfall in southern China. Despite this, the DDPM emphasized that the storm's direct impact on Thailand's weather is unlikely.

However, the agency cautioned that heavier rain could affect the northern, upper northeastern, and central parts of the country during the specified period. Concurrently, the southern Andaman coast is expected to experience continued heavy rainfall due to a strong southwest monsoon prevailing over the region.

The Thai Meteorological Department also alerted the public to the possibility of heavy to very heavy rain in some areas and strong waves in the upper Andaman Sea on July 2-3. These conditions are influenced by a monsoon trough and the prevailing southwest monsoon. The DDPM urged citizens to stay informed through official updates and adhere to safety instructions, providing a 24-hour hotline for disaster reporting.