Severe weather alert for 48 Thai provinces, thunderstorm risks

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a severe weather warning for today, forecasting thunderstorms across 48 provinces, affecting 60% of the area, including Bangkok. The agency cautions of potential dangers, including strong winds and flash floods.

As southeast monsoon and southern winds cover north and upper central Thailand, thunderstorms, strong gusts, and heavy downpours are expected in these regions. The weather system is likely to produce severe weather conditions, prompting a warning for the public to take precautions.

People are advised to avoid open spaces, sheltering under large trees, weak structures, and billboards that may be susceptible to wind damage. Farmers are also urged to protect their crops and livestock from adverse weather, which could lead to heavy rainfall and sudden flooding.

During the next 24 hours, from 6am today to 6am tomorrow, the TMD predicts the north will experience hot weather with scattered clouds during the day and possibly severe thunderstorms in 60% of the area, including the provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun.

Minimum temperatures are expected to range from 22 to 26 degrees Celsius, while maximum temperatures may soar to between 33 and 41 degrees Celsius. Southern winds at speeds of 5 to 15 kilometres per hour are forecasted.

The northeast will also face hot daytime temperatures with a 40% chance of thunderstorms, most likely in the provinces of Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Kalasin, Roi Et, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, and Surin. The region is expected to see lows of 24 to 27 degrees Celsius and highs of 35 to 38 degrees Celsius, with southeast winds travelling at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.

Thunderstorm warning

Central Thailand, too, is set to experience hot weather during the day, with 40% of the area likely to face thunderstorms and strong winds, including heavy rain in some places, especially in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, Saraburi, and Ayutthaya. Temperatures may range from a low of 24 to 26 degrees Celsius to a high of 37 to 38 degrees Celsius, accompanied by southern winds at speeds of 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.

For the eastern part of the country, there’s a 60% chance of thunderstorms affecting areas including Nakhon Nayok, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Temperatures are expected to be between 24 and 27 degrees Celsius at their lowest and 35 to 39 degrees Celsius at their highest, with southeast winds blowing at a speed of 10 to 30 kilometres per hour. Sea conditions will have waves less than 1 metre high, but areas with thunderstorms might experience waves higher than 1 metre.

The southern region, particularly the east coast, will face hot daytime weather with a 60% probability of thunderstorms in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, and Songkhla. Minimum temperatures will be 23 to 25 degrees Celsius, while maximum temperatures could reach 33 to 37 degrees Celsius.

Southeast winds at 10 to 30 kilometres per hour will prevail, and the sea will have waves under 1 metre in calm areas, but more than 2 metres where thunderstorms occur. The west coast will also see similar conditions, reported KhaoSod.

Bangkok and its vicinity are not spared from the impact, with 60% of the area expected to be hit by thunderstorms. Temperatures will range from a minimum of 25 to 27 degrees Celsius to a maximum of 35 to 38 degrees Celsius, with southeast winds at speeds of 10 to 30 kilometres per hour.