Weather Alert

[Jai Dee]

Meteorological Department warns of tropical storms from 24th April onwards

The Meteorological Department warns of thunder storms, stronger winds and possible hail in the northern region during April 24th-26th.

The department said low pressure will cover the upper part of Thailand, causing heat in various parts of the country. From April 24th to 26th, the strong cold air mass from China and will reach the south china sea as well as eastern of Thailand, thus the tropical storms with gusty winds are expected at 30-40 km/hr with possible hail around the east and upper north.

Humidity will prevail all over the region with thunder storms at particular area while the temperature is forcasted at 37-42 celcius degrees.

The weather bureau recomends farmers to take caution of the fruit farms such as Lychee and Longan, by tightening the trees with a solid holder to prevent any sort of contagious disease during this season.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 April 2007

[ovenman]

The weather bureau recomends farmers to take caution of the fruit farms such as Lychee and Longan, by tightening the trees with a solid holder to prevent any sort of contagious disease during this season.

Perhaps somebody with a greener thumb than me would be so kind as to clarify the above statement?

[hammered]

And according to tradition April 27 is the hottest day of the year.

[sriracha john]

Humidity will prevail all over the region while the temperature is forcasted at 42 celcius degrees.

sounds just deligthful.....

Edited April 23, 2007 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

The weather bureau recomends farmers to take caution of the fruit farms such as Lychee and Longan, by tightening the trees with a solid holder to prevent any sort of contagious disease during this season.

Perhaps somebody with a greener thumb than me would be so kind as to clarify the above statement?

from wiki:

windiblightis: A rare and fatal fungus that begins by attacking the leaves of lynchee trees. It is spread by strong winds and prevented by someone holding the tree and squeezing the trunk tightly.

[sriracha john]

sorry... the above reference should read wacki, not wiki....

[Jai Dee]

Tropical storm destroyed 20 households in Mae Hong Son

Mae Hong Son Governor Direk Konkleeb says Pangmapha district has been declared natural disaster area after a tropical storm devastated 20 households yesterday evening.

Mr. Komsan Suwanampha, the chief of the Mae Hong Son Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, says his office is coordinating with the local administration organization in helping the troubled villages. Mr. Komsan says four residences were completely destroyed while 16 others were partially damaged. Fortunately, there were no fatalities from the tropical storm.

Mr. Thada Sattha, the head of the Meteorological Station of Mae Hong Son, says the temperature in Mae Hong Son province continues to be hot and humid. He says the temperature will be around 40.4 to 41.4 degrees Celsius.

Mr. Thada has asked people to be careful of heavy rains and strong winds in some areas of Mae Hong Son.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 April 2007

[Jai Dee]

Phrae geared up to handle mudslides

Phrae (แพร่) Province is arranging a project to train rescue teams for mudslide-prone areas during April 23rd - May 4th.

Phrae Public Relations officer, Mr. Rangsan Kumchaeng (รังสรรค์ ขำแจง), says mudslides always occurred in the province, especially in the rainy season. Mudslides have caused damages to people’s lives and properties, saying the latest mudslide had ruined 135 houses and caused deaths. In an attempt to prevent mudslide and provide efficient assistant to local residents, Phrae decides to hold a training project aimed to provide knowledge and rescue teams in each village.

The training project is reportedly opened today at Phrae Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation in Muang District by Phrae Governor Atikom Supanpong (อธิคม สุพรรณพงศ์).

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 April 2007

[Jai Dee]

Uttaradit province to conduct disaster drills

The Governor of Uttaradit has urged residents in high risk areas to practice disaster plans in order to be prepared in the event of natural disasters.

Uttaradit Governor Somboon Sri-pattanawat (สมบูรณ์ ศรีพัฒนาวัฒน์ ) revealed that a recent landslide incident in Uttaradit province on May 23, 2006, caused great damage to life and property. Mr. Somboon said that to mitigate damage from future disasters and better prepare local residents to handle such disasters, provincial authorities will be coordinating with local adminstrative organizations in allocating budget for disaster drills.

District Chief Officers have been instructed to prepare personnel and equipment to participate in disaster drills with local residents. The Uttaradit Governor said that the province has set limits of 40% for disaster casualties.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 April 2007

[Jai Dee]

More heat, more floods, more cold

Climate change could see the number of days with temperatures of 33 degrees Celsius or more triple, a scientist warned yesterday.

It was also likely to have a dramatic effect on the Chao Phya river and floods in Bangkok.

Dr Anon Sanitwong na Ayutthaya told a climate-change seminar yesterday the country's weather would become more extreme in coming decades.

Anon expected global warming to increase Chao Phya River levels by as much as 40 per cent in coming years. Higher tides would add to the flooding problems faced by the Central plains and greater-Bangkok.

Anon is the director of the Southeast Asian bureau of SysTem for Analysis, Research and Training, or START, based at Chulalongkorn University. He predicted the country would soon swelter in 33-degree-plus heat for as many as 60 days a year. The hottest place was likely to be Uthai Thani, which is located in a basin. Nakhon Sawan would be the next warmest. But Khon Kaen, Sakon Nakhon and Chai Nat would be least affected.

Anon cited a climate model predicting weather events from 30 years to 80 years hence.

Interestingly, cool days were also expected to increase. Thailand could expect between 30 to 40 days a year below 26C. Currently, about 20 to 30 days are below this mark.

The west coast would be coolest, thanks to increased rainfall. And provinces in mountain areas could suffer problems.

He said climate change would not affect Thailand as it had sub-Saharan Africa, where increased temperatures melted mountain snow and ice, which had flooded rivers and accelerated the breeding of malaria-carrying mosquitoes.

But, he warned the country to put in place policies to cope with climate change.

But, in Chiang Rai, rice crops would increase 15 per cent because it would receive more rain, he said.

Meanwhile, Meteorological Department chief Supareuk Tansriratanawong said this hot season would be more extreme in many areas, especially the North, Northeast and Central Thailand. Temperatures could hit 42 degrees in Nong Khai and Lampang. He said these temperatures would be common until mid-May.

Supareuk revised earlier department predictions the hottest period this year would be between April 25 and April 26. A cool front from China would bring rainstorms and hail to the North and Northeast, easing temperatures.

In the meantime, the heat has seen power usage in Bangkok soar.

Data shows last month the city gobbled up 7,522 megawatts of electricity, outpacing consumption at the same time last year by 2 per cent. By comparison, the city consumed 6,654 megawatts in January and 7,032 in February.

In the North, temperatures have exceeded 40C.

The department's northern office said Lampang's Muang district recorded temperatures of 42 degrees while other provinces reported between 37 and 41C.

Office spokesman Rakchai Srinuan said temperatures were between four degrees to six degrees warmer than last year.

Chiang Mai and Lamphun were at risk of more forest fires, which have cast a pall over the region since March and made thousands sick. Doi Inthanon National Park chief Anan Son-ngai said rangers were on a 24-hour alert.

Artificial rainmaking is planned to help ease the heat.

Dr Parithat Silpakit of Suan Prung Mental Hospital warned that the punishing heat could drive over-stressed residents to suicide.

In Kalasin, which saw 38C heat yesterday, farmers were advised to install cooling fans in pig enclosures to avoid stock suffering heatstroke and diarrhoea.

Source: The Nation - 24 April 2007

[Jai Dee]

Tropical storms hit Chiyaphum

Tropical storms have hit Chaiyaphum Province, damaging residences in Tambon Na Fai (นาฝาย), Muang District. More than 20 households have been affected.

The storms have caused cyclones, hails, gusty winds, and rains. Apart from the residences which have been damaged, some local barns storing rice pledged with the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives have been blown away by the storms. Trees and billboards have been toppled. However, there has been no report of injuries.

The Tambon Na Fai Local Administrative Organization says it is estimating the cost of damage and expediting aid to those affected by the storms.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 April 2007

[Jai Dee]

Agencies provide assistance to Chaiyaphum summer storm victims

Many agencies are providing assistance to residents whose homes were destroyed during summer storms.

Following an especially severe summer storm on April 21 which devastated homes in Ban Khwao (บ้านเขว้า) district of Chaiyaphum province, many agencies including the Red Cross, Chaiyaphum local administrative organizations, and the Second Army Area Command are expediting aid to storm victims. Officials report that 7 villages, 325 families, and 958 residents were affected by the storm. At least 233 households were also partially or completely destroyed.

The Army Development Division of the Second Army Area Command, led by Col Samrarn Charoenwongpech (สำราญ เจริญวงศ์เพ็ชร์ ), conducted a water distribution operation today (April 24), in addition to providing basic repairs to the homes of local residents. On the same day, the Chaiyaphum Red Cross Society distributed more than 300 aid packets to storm victims.

The Deputy Governor of Chaiyaphum province, Mr. Pattapong Payakanthorn (พัฒพงศ์ พยัคฆันตร), revealed that the past storm was especially intense and more are expected to occur until May. Local residents are therefore advised to take the necessary precautions and to remain alert to changing water conditions. Mr. Pattapong said signs of an impending summer storm includes extremely hot weather, the absence of winds, and red skies.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 April 2007

[Jai Dee]

Meteorological Dept. issues warning of tropical storms in Upper North

The Meteorological Department warns of tropical storms which were initiated by cold air mass from China. The cold air mass has been covering the Northeastern region and it is expected to soon reach the Northern, the Eastern, and the Middle regions respectively, including Bangkok and the vicinities.

The above mentioned areas now experience hot conditions. Tropical storms will occur once these areas are influenced by the cold air mass from China. The storms will bring thunderstorms, gusty winds, hails, and heavy rains.

The department reports that the storm will start from the eastern part of the Northeastern region, including Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lamphu, Loei, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Udon Thani, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Khon Kaen, Roi Et, Yasothon, Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, and Buriram provinces.

The storm will next move to other areas of the country.

The department therefore calls for residents to be cautious of hazardous weather conditions caused by the storms.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 April 2007

[Jai Dee]

Extremely hot weather and summer storm to prevail nationwide

The Meteorological Department has issued warnings on summer storms in the upper regions of Thailand.

Meteorological Department officials report that high pressure weather fronts from China will cover the northern, northeastern, and central regions of Thailand, including Bangkok and surrounding provinces. This will cause extremely hot and humid weather in these regions, in addition to occasional widespread summer storms with strong winds, hail, and heavy rain.

The Meteorological Department believes that summer storms will begin in the northeastern region, including Nong Khai, Nongbualamphu, Loei, Sakon Nakorn Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, and other provinces, before moving to cover other regions. Local residents in each area are asked to remain cautious.

Temperatures are expected to range from 23-43 degrees Celsius in the northern region, 24-36 degrees Celsius in the northeastern region, 26-40 degrees Celsius in the central region, 25-36 degrees Celsius in the eastern region, 23-37 degrees Celsius in the southern region, and from 27-37 degrees Celsius in Bangkok and surrounding provinces.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 April 2007

[Jai Dee]

Summer storm leaves 1 dead in Nakhon Ratchasima

A summer storm lashed through Nakhon Ratchasima province causing power outages, fallen trees, and at least one fatality.

Reporters revealed that high pressure weather fronts from China have now entered the upper region of Thailand, causing summer storms in Nakhon Ratchasima province, resulting in damage to many local residence, broken trees, and massive power outages.

The Ratchasima-Nong Bua Kog (ราชสีมา-หนองบัวโคก) Road in the muang district of Nakhon Ratchasima province was especially hard hit by strong winds. Local residents were forced to flee the pouring deluge, while many road vehicles were forced to stop. Local officials report that large trees in the Nakhon Ratchasima municipality were swept down, requiring the effort of sanitation workers to clear debris from roadways.

Summer storms electrical disturbance also occured on the Ban Ya Ka Nong Hua Phan (บ้านหญ้าคา-หนองหัวฟาน) Road in Non Soong (โนนสูง) district, resulting in 1 fatality, identified as Mr. Suk WangChomklang (สุข หวังชมกลาง). Meteorological officials believe high pressure weather fronts will sweep into the northern, eastern, and central regions, including Bangkok and surrounding provinces in the next few days.

Citizens are urged to take necessary precuations from the incoming summer storm.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 April 2007

[taxexile]

there is certainly some spectacular weather around at the moment , a big electrical display over hua hin last night livened things up a bit here.

[Tony Clifton]

Quite spectacular, we couldn't land at Suwarnabhum last evening and circled the gulf about ten times. A wonderful show seen from above.

Always love lightning pics.

[Jai Dee]

Phrae evaluates dmages occured after being hit by storm

Phrae (แพร่) is expeting efforts in evaluating the damages done after the province was severely hit by storm yesterday (April 25th).

Phrae local relevant agencies are gathering details of damaged residences and buildings in Suengmen (สูงเม่น) and Denchai (เด่นชัย) districts affected by storm yesterday, reporting the storm has destroyed at least 200 people’s residences.

Phrae Public Relations Department informs the storm had blown off roofs and caused cracks to people’s houses, especially residences in Suengmen district, Dongsura (ดงสุระ) village in Mae Cheow (แม่จั๊วะ) sub-district, Saiyoi (ไทรย้อย) village in Saiyoi sub-district, and Denchai district.

Phrae Governor Athikom Supanpong (อธิคม สุพรรณพงศ์) has assigned Phrae Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department and local administrative organization to gather the details of damage and provide assistance to storm-affected people.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 April 2007

[taxexile]

stormy sunrise over hua hin this morning.

[Jai Dee]

Ministry of Tourism and Sports steps up security measures in touristic spots

The Minister of Tourism and Sports inspects two waterfalls hit by flash flood in Trang Province and calls a meeting between relevant units to step up security measures in areas frequented by tourists.

Minister of Tourism and Sports Suwit Yodmanee (สุวิทย์ ยอดมณี) was reported during the meeting by Trang Governor Anont Manaswanich (อานนท์ มนัสวานิช) that the flash flood had a slight effect on the province’s tourism. As for those died from the incident, most of them are local people and the province has compensated their relatives. The governor added that the relatives of the deaths did not blame the authority as they understood that the incident was an unexpected natural disaster.

The governor said further that if an effective warning system installed at the two waterfalls would help regain tourist confidence, similarly to that installed at the Andaman Coast hit by tsunami in 2004.

The National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department has already set up a manual siren-warning system at the two waterfalls. At the same time, it is expediting the construction of a tower warning system which uses solar energy. This construction is a cooperation between the department and the Ministry of Information and Communication. The department reports that it has a plan to begin the construction soon.

As for security guidance given to tourists when visiting natural tourist sites, the minister said he will to discuss the issue with the Minister of Education in order to add tourism security in school curricula.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 April 2007

[Jai Dee]

stormy sunrise over hua hin this morning.

Great photograph Tax... which direction is it heading?

/Edit - from the Rayong radar website it appears to be moving WNW.

Edited April 27, 2007 by Jai Dee
Additional comment added.

[kmart]

Great photos, tax exile. A heckuva lot of rain in Rayong last night.

[Jai Dee]

Although we had a great sound and light show, only a few drops fell where I am just north of Sattahip.

Clear blue skies this morning.

[taxexile]

it passed over very quickly , heading inland (west) , distant thunder but no lightning , and a 10minute shower.

mainly clear skies now.

[Tony Clifton]

We had to circle over the Gulf about 10 times before plunging into this wall of a storm. On the left hand side is Pattaya.

Circling around, now looking at the West coast, things didn't look any better over there.

We landed about 30 minutes late. Other planes could be seen above and below also circling around. A spectacular lightning show that was quite amazing to observe from an unusual position.

[sriracha john]

In honor of another poster in another thread....here's a "lightning" shot for you, Tony

.... but with no makeup or Photoshop....

Lightning strikes during a heavy downpour in Bangkok yesterday. Scientists from the UN’s top body on climate change predict in an April report that greenhouse gases will change rainfall patterns, intensify tropical storms and amplify the risk of drought and flooding.

[leisurely]

We had a belter last night, lasted for around 3 hours. Lovely and cooling breeze, very heavy rain and mucho raining. Looks like it will start again soon...............

[Swelters]

According to my calculations, the longest day with the most solar energy in Bangkok (no shadow at noon) should be Sunday April 29.

You would imagine that the earth temperatures, which warm the air, would lag a bit behind, just as the greatest heat is usually measured at 3 pm, not noon. More on this at:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/webblog/vi...52&bid=2047

The record suggests that the hot season might break at various times between April 1 and May 15, see below.

Swelters

[taxexile]

i think we need a weather forum !

[Jai Dee]

267 risky tourist spots

A recent survey has found that 267 scenic tourist attractions around the country are at risk of landslides and flash-floods. Among them are Sa Kaew's Pang Sida National Park, Chanthaburi's Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary and the nearby 15-level waterfall, and Khao Kichakut National Park.

Chalermsak Vanichsombat, the director-general of the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, said yesterday it would study each area's geological features and current conditions and problems to prepare disaster-prevention measures, including the provision of safety equipment such as life jackets and ropes for visitors. The sites would not be closed off to tourists but left open with enhanced protection against natural disasters.

The move follows the flash-flood at the Sairung and Prai Sawan waterfalls in Trang that killed 38 holidaymakers on April 14.

Source: The Nation - 28 April 2007