Cold weather and heavy rain hit Thailand as monsoon intensifies
The Thai Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) reported today that a strong high-pressure system continues to cover upper Thailand and the South China Sea, resulting in cold weather across the regions.
Northern and northeastern areas are experiencing cold to very cold conditions, with temperatures dropping to 9°C, while Bangkok and surrounding provinces have temperatures ranging from 18°C to 20°C. Residents are advised to take precautions against the cold and potential fire hazards due to dry conditions.
The northeastern monsoon prevailing over the Gulf of Thailand, the south, and the Andaman Sea is intensifying, bringing heavy rainfall to southern Thailand’s lower regions. The Gulf’s waves are strong, reaching 2 to 3 metres in height, and exceeding 3 metres during thunderstorms.
The Andaman Sea has waves around 1 metre high, increasing to 1 to 2 metres offshore, and exceeding 2 metres during storms. Mariners should proceed with caution and avoid sailing in stormy areas. Small boats in the lower Gulf should remain ashore during this period.
From today to January 18, the strengthening monsoon is expected to increase rainfall in the southern region, with some areas experiencing heavy to very heavy rain. Residents should be cautious of flash floods, especially in foothill areas near waterways and low-lying regions.
Wave activity in the Gulf will intensify, with waves reaching 2 to 3 metres, and over 3 metres during thunderstorms. Coastal residents on the eastern side of the South should be cautious of strong waves hitting the shore.
Dust accumulation
Small boats in the Gulf and Andaman Sea should refrain from leaving the shore from January 16 to 18 due to adverse weather conditions contributing to dust accumulation in upper Thailand, where air quality is moderate to high because of weak winds.
In northern Thailand, temperatures range from 9°C to 15°C, with highs of 26°C to 30°C. Mountain tops experience very cold weather and frost in some areas, with temperatures dropping from 2°C to 7°C.
Northeastern Thailand faces cool to cold conditions with morning fog, temperatures between 9°C and 17°C, and highs of 28°C to 32°C. Mountain peaks are very cold, with temperatures as low as 5°C to 9°C.
Central Thailand experiences cool to cold weather with morning fog, temperatures from 15°C to 18°C, and highs of 30°C to 31°C.
In the eastern region, temperatures range from 15°C to 21°C with highs of 31°C to 32°C. The sea has waves about 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 2 metres offshore.
In the upper southern region, it is cool with morning fog, while the lower region sees thunderstorms in 20% of the area and some heavy rain, notably in Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces. Temperatures range from 18°C to 25°C, with highs of 28°C to 31°C.
Northeastern winds blow at 20 to 35 kilometres per hour in the upper region, with waves about 2 metres, reaching over 2 metres in stormy areas. In the lower region, winds reach 20 to 40 kilometres per hour, with waves of 2 to 3 metres, exceeding 3 metres during storms, reported KhaoSod.
Western southern Thailand has light rain in some areas, with temperatures from 20°C to 24°C and highs of 32°C to 34°C, with waves about 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 2 metres offshore.
Bangkok and its vicinity are cool with morning fog, temperatures from 18°C to 20°C, and highs of 30°C to 32°C. Northeastern winds blow at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.
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