Typhoon Dolphin Spares Thailand But Triggers Heavy Rain
Typhoon Dolphin will spare Thailand by tracking toward Japan and China, though it may intensify monsoon rains over northern and northeastern regions August 7–9.
The Meteorological Department reported on August 2 that Typhoon Dolphin will not enter Thailand, as it remains far out in the Pacific Ocean and is tracking toward Japan and China instead of directly toward Thailand. Between August 7–9, the storm may have an indirect effect by strengthening the existing monsoon system over Thailand, causing heavier rainfall in some areas, particularly in the northern and northeastern regions. A tropical depression east of the Philippines may briefly intensify into a tropical storm but is expected to weaken and be absorbed by a larger storm system, and therefore poses no direct threat to Thailand. Current rainfall across Thailand is driven primarily by the monsoon trough and monsoon winds, not by Typhoon Dolphin. The public should not be alarmed by rumors, as the latest data shows no indication of the typhoon moving into Thailand, and residents are advised to follow regular updates from the Meteorological Department.
