Tropical storm Nakri has strengthened to Category 5 storm, typhoon strength, as it moves across the South China Sea toward the Vietnamese coast. It is predicted to make landfall tomorrow or Monday at the latest, the Thai Meteorological Department reported today (Saturday)

According to the department’s 14th news bulletin, Typhoon Nakri, packed with wind speeds as high as 120kph at its centre, was in the middle of South China Sea at 4am this morning, moving at a speed of 15kph.

The approaching typhoon will initially bring slight to moderate rain to parts of Thailand’s Northeast, including Yasothon Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket and Surin provinces and the eastern provinces of Sa Kaew, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat.

Meanwhile, the Weatherman reported that another cold front from China is expected to blanket northern Thailand from November 13^th to 15^th and this will, initially, cause temperatures in the Northeast and eastern region to dip, followed by the northern and the central regions.

The northern and north-eastern regions will experience strong winds while temperatures are forecast to drop 3-5⁰C in mountainous areas.  Mercury in the central and eastern regions is predicted to dip 2-4⁰C.

Isolated heavy rain is forecast for the southern region, with rough seas in the Gulf of Thailand, especially in stormy areas.  Sailors and fishermen are advised to exercise greater caution.