Thailand Issues Warning for Tropical Storm Koto, Cooler Weather Expected Across Regions

TMD Issues Warning for Tropical Storm Koto

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued Warning No. 7 regarding Tropical Storm Koto, currently situated in the middle of the South China Sea. As of November 29, 2025, the storm's center was located at approximately 13.5°N latitude, 112.0°E longitude, with maximum sustained winds near its center reaching about 93 km/h. The storm is moving slowly west-southwest.

Storm's Trajectory and Expected Weakening

Tropical Storm Koto is forecast to continue its west-southwest trajectory, approaching the coastline of Vietnam. The TMD anticipates that the storm will weaken rapidly as it nears the Vietnamese coast, primarily due to the influence of a high-pressure system covering Vietnam and the upper South China Sea. Crucially, the storm is not expected to make a direct impact on Thailand's landmass.

Cooler Temperatures and Regional Impacts

Despite not directly hitting the country, Tropical Storm Koto's influence is projected to bring a noticeable drop in temperatures across various regions of Thailand. Cooler conditions are expected in the upper regions of the country. The Northeast is forecast to experience the sharpest decline, with temperatures potentially falling by 4 to 7°C. The North, Central Region, Bangkok and surrounding provinces, the East, and the Upper South can expect temperatures to cool by 2 to 4°C. Mountain peaks and highland areas are predicted to become cold to very cold, with lows ranging from 3 to 12°C. These cooler conditions are expected to persist from approximately November 26 to 30. Residents are also advised to be aware of morning fog and potential fire hazards due to dry air and strong winds.

Marine Conditions and Additional Rainfall

Marine conditions are also expected to be affected. Waves of about 1 to 2 meters are forecast for the Upper Gulf of Thailand and the Upper Andaman Sea, with higher waves possible in areas experiencing thunderstorms. Small boats are advised to navigate with caution and consider avoiding storm-affected zones. Furthermore, water management experts have indicated that a potential interaction between Tropical Storm Koto and another system, Tropical Storm Senyar, could lead to increased rainfall in Thailand's eastern and southern regions, particularly between December 2 and 3, as moisture is drawn from the South China Sea.