Thailand weather takes a chill pill as storms brew in the south
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) forecasts a cold air mass to cover the region, causing temperatures to drop by 2°C. Heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected in the south, particularly affecting the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.
Yesterday, January 15, a new high-pressure system from China reached northern Vietnam and Laos and is expected to spread to the upper northeastern region of Thailand tonight. This will result in a temperature drop of 1 to 2°C in the northeast, with strong winds.
Other regions will experience cold to very cold weather with morning fog, and mountaintops will remain cold. Residents are advised to take precautions for their health due to the cold weather and be cautious of fire hazards due to dry conditions and fog-related travel disruptions.
The TMD issued its third warning for heavy monsoon rains affecting various provinces. Northern and northeastern Thailand will continue to experience cold weather with temperatures dropping to as low as 9°C, while Bangkok will see temperatures between 18 and 20°C.
The northeastern monsoon, affecting the Gulf of Thailand, the south, and the Andaman Sea, will intensify, causing heavy to very heavy rainfall in the lower South. Wave heights in the Gulf are forecasted to reach 2 to 3 metres, exceeding 3 metres during thunderstorms.
The Andaman Sea will experience waves of 1 to 2 metres, with offshore waves reaching around 2 metres and exceeding 2 metres during thunderstorms. Mariners are advised to proceed with caution and avoid areas with heavy rainfall; small vessels in the Gulf should remain ashore during this period.
Weather forecast
The accumulation of dust and haze in upper Thailand is expected to be moderate to high due to weak winds, affecting air quality. The forecast until 6pm the following day indicates cold weather with morning fog in the north, with temperatures ranging from 9 to 16°C and highs of 26 to 30°C.
The northeast will experience a drop of 1 to 2°C with morning lows of 10 to 17°C and highs of 28 to 32°C. Central regions will be cold with morning fog and a temperature increase of 1 to 2°C, ranging from 15 to 18°C in lows to 30 to 31°C in highs.
The east will see similar conditions with temperatures from 17 to 22°C and highs of 31 to 32°C, and sea waves reaching 1 to 2 metres and up to 3 metres offshore.
In the south, the eastern coast will be cold with 40% thunderstorm coverage and heavy rainfall in provinces such as Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Temperatures will range from 19 to 24°C to 28 to 31°C, with waves reaching 2 to 3 metres.
The western coast will see 20% thunderstorm coverage, mainly in Krabi, Trang, and Satun, with temperatures from 21 to 25°C to 32 to 34°C, and waves reaching 1 to 2 metres, exceeding 2 metres during thunderstorms.
Bangkok and its vicinity will be cold with morning fog, and a temperature increase of 1 to 2°C, ranging from 19 to 21°C to 30 to 32°C.
Northeastern monsoon
The fourth warning by the TMD highlights the intensified northeastern monsoon over the Gulf of Thailand and the south from January 15 to January 18, causing increased rainfall and heavy to very heavy rain in some areas. Residents should beware of flash floods and forest runoffs, especially in low-lying and hillside areas.
Provinces expected to experience heavy rainfall include Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Trang, and Satun from January 15 to January 16, with continued rainfall in Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat from January 17 to January 18. Strong waves in the Gulf will reach 2 to 3 metres, exceeding 3 metres during storms, while the Andaman Sea will see waves of 1 to 2 metres, with offshore waves reaching 2 to 3 metres and exceeding 3 metres during storms, reported KhaSod.
Residents along the eastern coastline of the south should be cautious of coastal waves, and mariners should proceed with caution, avoiding stormy areas.
Small vessels in the Gulf and Andaman Sea should remain ashore from January 16 to January 18. Residents are encouraged to stay updated through the TMD’s website or contact their hotline available 24 hours.
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