New tropical storm Fengshen forms, heading toward China
Meteorological Department warns of heavy rain and strong waves in the South as tropical storm Fengshen heads toward southern China
The Thai Meteorological Department has detected signs of a new tropical system — storm Fengshen — which has intensified into a tropical storm over the Philippines. The storm is moving toward the upper South China Sea and Hainan Island in China. Meanwhile, heavy rain and rough seas are expected in southern Thailand this weekend, with thunderstorms caused by the seasonal monsoon trough.
In its latest weather bulletin issued on October 18, 2025, the Meteorological Department confirmed that the tropical depression east of the Philippines has strengthened into tropical storm Fengshen. Although the storm’s main path heads toward China and will not directly affect Thailand, its outer circulation is expected to trigger heavy rainfall and strong winds across the South and the Gulf of Thailand. Residents, especially in risk-prone coastal areas, are advised to closely monitor updates and prepare for severe thunderstorms over the weekend.
Updated storm path:
- October 18–19, 2025: Fengshen is forecast to pass over northern parts of the Philippines before moving into the upper South China Sea.
- October 21–22, 2025: The storm will approach Hainan Island, China, where it is expected to weaken rapidly and dissipate.
The Meteorological Department reiterated that Fengshen will not make landfall in Thailand, and other regions are not expected to be directly affected. However, the country will continue to experience monsoon-related rain and storms as usual.
Satellite and radar images taken on October 18, 2025, show widespread thunderstorm clouds covering Thailand’s eastern southern provinces and the Gulf of Thailand, particularly over Chumphon and Surat Thani. The storms are moving southwestward, prompting continued warnings for heavy rain and high waves in the region.
