The picturesque Mekong River is currently teetering just 20 centimeters below its overflow threshold in the Muang district of Nakhon Phanom, creating quite the spectacle this Wednesday. (Photo: Pattanapong Sripiachai) But don’t pack away those umbrellas just yet! The weather forecast suggests we are in for a deluge starting from Thursday and continuing through Monday, courtesy of our ever-reliable annual monsoon and a burgeoning tropical storm that’s set to make landfall in Vietnam this Friday.
Kornrawee Sitthichivapak, the maestro at the helm of the Meteorological Department, painted a rather wet picture on Wednesday. From September 19th to 23rd, heavy downpours and gusty winds will be sweeping across the North, Northeast, Central Plain including bustling Greater Bangkok, the East, and the South. Think of it like nature’s own symphony—with runoff and flash floods potentially taking center stage in steep and low-lying areas, plus anywhere near waterways.
The real drama, however, starts with a depression brewing over the upper South China Sea, roughly 550 kilometers east of Da Nang as of 10 a.m. on Wednesday. This not-so-gentle giant, packing wind speeds of 55 kilometers per hour at its core, is heading westward and shows every intention of graduating into a full-fledged tropical storm. Its grand entrance is scheduled over central Vietnam either on Friday or Saturday, only to then bow out gracefully as it weakens.
Ms. Kornrawee further informed us that the monsoon will be making quite the theatrical appearance from Thursday to next Sunday. The Andaman Sea, the South, and the Gulf of Thailand are all set to receive heavy rainfall as part of this grand show. The waves will play their own part too, surging up to four meters high in the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf, and around two meters high in the lower Gulf. Sailors, you might want to keep your boats anchored ashore during this watery drama.
The Royal Irrigation Department chimed in on Wednesday as well, with announcements that echoed the biblical floods. They have plans to gradually amp up the discharge rate from the Chao Phraya barrage in Chai Nat province, escalating from 1,099 to a staggering 1,500 cubic meters per second. This proactive measure is in anticipation of the inbound storm currently set on its course for Vietnam. Consequently, waterways in 11 provinces within the Chao Phraya River basin are expected to swell by 60 to 100 centimeters. Those provinces, for the trivia lovers, include Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Bangkok, Chai Nat, Lop Buri, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Sing Buri, Suphan Buri, and Uthai Thani.
In essence, the coming days promise to be a rollercoaster of weather events—a blend of nature’s raw power and the vibrant hustle of life as we brace for impact. Hold on to your hats, everyone; it’s going to be a wild ride!
Why does this always happen during the rainy season? It’s like the government never learns!
It’s not about learning. Nature is unpredictable! What can the government really do against such massive weather events?
They could improve infrastructure and have better emergency plans. Other countries manage it, so why can’t we?
It’s not just about planning; it’s about the resources and the willingness to spend money on it. Politicians would rather focus on short-term gains than long-term investments.
The climate is changing, and these kinds of extreme weather events are becoming more common. Unfortunately, this is our new normal.
Climate change, really? This has been happening forever. It’s just part of nature’s cycle.
While weather cycles do exist, the frequency and intensity of events have increased. There’s scientific evidence to back it up.
Natty2020, you’re ignoring the science. The data is clear: human activities are impacting our climate in unprecedented ways.
So what do you propose we do then? Just stop living our lives to prevent extreme weather somewhere?
This is going to ruin my crops! How am I supposed to make a living when the weather is this unpredictable?
I feel you! Farmers are the unsung victims of these events. Maybe there should be better insurance options or government aid?
It’s tough, but we need to look at sustainable farming practices. Traditional methods might not cut it in this changing climate.
I wonder about the economic impact. With the waterways swelling, what’s going to happen to trade and transportation?
Good point! Our economy could take a huge hit, and it seems like nobody is talking about that aspect.
Everything is interconnected. Disruptions in trade due to weather can have ripple effects, impacting prices and availability of goods.
Flash floods and high winds can cause so much damage. Are our homes and buildings even safe?
I’ve always thought about that. Shouldn’t there be stricter building codes, especially in flood-prone areas?
Absolutely. It’s like the existing codes are outdated or not enforced properly.
Sounds like Mother Nature is putting on a show. Stay safe out there, especially near the rivers!
Easy for you to say! Some of us live near those rivers and have real concerns about our safety and property.
The mention of up to four-meter waves is terrifying! I hope port authorities are prepared for this.
Annual monsoons are getting worse! We need to find ways to mitigate the damage rather than react every year.
Nakhon Phanom is always beautiful, but I wouldn’t risk visiting during such extreme weather conditions.
Think about the wildlife! These kinds of weather events can decimate local ecosystems.
Absolutely! Flash floods can wash away nests and disrupt migration patterns. It’s a huge issue.
I think the media sensationalizes these events. Sure, it’s serious, but the world isn’t ending.
Just hope the power doesn’t go out. It happened last time during a storm like this and we were out for days!