Bangkok scorched at 38°C with thunderstorms looming

Bangkok and its surrounding regions are experiencing scorching temperatures today, with highs reaching a blistering 38 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, thunderstorms are predicted in some areas of the northeastern and eastern provinces.

The latest forecast by the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) indicates that a low-pressure system, caused by intense heat covering the upper parts of Thailand, is contributing to the severe weather, with scorching conditions persisting and thunderstorms expected during the day in some localities.

In the north, the heat is unrelenting, with similar conditions of thunderstorms covering 10% of the area, particularly in the provinces of Phitsanulok and Phetchabun. With minimum temperatures ranging from 19 to 25 degrees Celsius and maximums soaring to 37 to 40 degrees Celsius, the contrast between day and night temperatures is stark.

The northeastern region is not spared, with thunderstorms expected in 20% of the area, affecting provinces such as Loei, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nong Bua Lamphu, Khon Kaen, Buri Ram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani. The temperatures there are slightly cooler, with lows of 21 to 26 degrees Celsius and highs between 34 and 38 degrees Celsius.

Central Thailand, with provinces like Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Lopburi, Saraburi, and Ayutthaya, is also feeling the heat. Here, thunderstorms are expected in 10% of the region, with temperature lows of 24 to 27 degrees Celsius and highs between 36 and 40 degrees Celsius.

The eastern region, including Prachinburi, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat, is experiencing similar weather patterns, with thunderstorms in 20% of the area and temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius at night to 33 to 37 degrees Celsius during the day. Sea conditions are relatively calm with waves less than 1 metre high, but areas with thunderstorms may see waves exceeding this height.

The southern region, particularly the eastern coast encompassing Surat Thani, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat, is not exempt from the heat with daytime temperatures. Thunderstorms are likely in 10% of this region, with cooler temperatures ranging from 23 to 26 degrees Celsius and maximum temperatures reaching 33 to 38 degrees Celsius. The sea here is also expected to be moderately calm, with wave heights around 1 metre, but this could increase in stormy conditions.

Temperature rises

On the west coast, including popular tourist destinations such as Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun, the weather is similarly hot, with thunderstorms in 20% of the area. The temperatures here range from 24 to 27 degrees Celsius at night to 35 to 38 degrees Celsius during the day, with the sea presenting waves around 1 metre high, increasing in storm-affected zones, reported KhaoSod.

The weather conditions in Bangkok and the vicinity mimic the broader regional pattern, with occasional thunderstorms in 10% of the area and temperatures ranging from a minimum of 29 to 30 degrees Celsius to a maximum of 36 to 38 degrees Celsius.

Residents and visitors alike are advised to stay hydrated and to seek shelter during thunderstorms, as the weather remains unpredictable with sudden changes in conditions.