The Meteorological Department issued a depression warning today, forecasting increased rain and isolated heavy showers plus strong winds in northeastern Thailand tomorrow and Thursday.

In its second announcement, issued at 5am today (Tuesday), the department said that early today a low pressure cell was developing in the northern South China Sea, with its centre located about 230km to the southeast of Hainan Island, with maximum wind velocity near its centre measured at 55kph.

The depression is moving gradually westward at a speed of 18kph and is expected to make landfall in northern Vietnam either tomorrow or Thursday. This will bring with it increased rain for northern Thailand with very heavy rain and strong winds in parts of the northeastern region.

People in northeastern, northern and eastern Thailand have been warned to brace for heavy to very heavy rain, which may result in sudden or flash flooding. Travelers to Vietnam are advised to check weather conditions before their departure from Thailand.

The southwestern monsoon, which is looming over the Andaman Sea, the Gulf and southern Thailand, is gaining strength and this will bring increased rain and isolated heavy showers to southern and eastern Thailand, with rough seas in the Gulf and the Andaman Sea.

Sailors and fishermen have been warned to exercise caution and to avoid storms, while small boats are being advised to remain ashore.