Tropical storm Wipha to bring heavy rain to affected provinces.
Strong Tropical Storm Wipha Affects Northern Thailand, Bringing Heavy Rain and Flooding Risks
Tropical Storm Wipha, a strong tropical storm, made its impact on northern Thailand between July 20-24, 2023. The storm tracked along the monsoon trough across northern Thailand, causing widespread disruptions such as school closures and risks of flash floods and forest runoff, particularly in foothills, areas near waterways, and low-lying zones [1][4].
The Thai government urged the public to prepare for severe weather conditions and emphasized safety measures. The Agriculture Ministry was tasked with minimizing the storm's impact on agriculture. Meteorological authorities forecast that Wipha would weaken into a tropical depression and then a low-pressure system by July 24, but until then, significant rain was expected to persist [1].
The provinces forecast to be affected on July 20 included Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Surat Thani, Chumphon, Ranong, Phangnga, Phuket, Krabi [2].
As Wipha made landfall further north in regions including Nan province from the evening of July 22 onward, it brought notable disruption there [4]. After affecting northern Thailand, Wipha moved west-southwest into Vietnam and gradually weakened [3].
The interaction between the prevailing southwest monsoon and strong tropical storm Wipha intensified rainfall over large parts of Thailand. Waves in the upper Andaman Sea were forecast to reach 2-4 metres, and could exceed 4 metres in areas with thunderstorms [2]. Residents were advised to stay updated and follow evacuation protocols if the situation escalated [6].
For updates, residents could visit www.tmd.go.th or call 0-2399-4012-13, or hotline 1182, available 24/7 [8]. Based on current models, Wipha's impact on Thailand could be less severe than Yagi's, but the risk remained high for heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides. Models from both the TMD and international weather apps forecast that July 23-24 (Wednesday-Thursday) would be the peak days for heavy rain in Thailand [10].
Expert analysis suggested that Wipha was unlikely to match the strength of Super Typhoon Yagi [9]. The Thai Meteorological Department has issued its fourth warning on strong tropical storm Wipha [7].
References:
[1] Thai Meteorological Department Advisory
[2] TMD Weather Warnings
[3] Vietnam weather updates
[4] Bangkok Post: Wipha to bring heavy rain to northern Thailand
[5] Thai Meteorological Department: Waves and storm warnings
[6] Bangkok Post: Residents urged to stay updated on Wipha
[7] Thai Meteorological Department: Wipha Warning
[8] Thai Meteorological Department: Contact Information
[9] Bangkok Post: Wipha unlikely to match Yagi's strength
[10] Bangkok Post: Wipha to bring heavy rain to northern Thailand
International weather forecasting systems predicted considerable rainfall would be ongoing in Thailand due to the influence of the strong tropical storm Wipha and the prevailing southwest monsoon. Technology and adequate weather-forecasting equipment were essential in updated warnings and spread awareness to minimize damages in affected regions, such as the foothills, areas near waterways, and low-lying zones of northern Thailand.
