Thailand braces for cold snap and monsoon thunderstorms
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather warning for today, indicating a further drop in temperatures across the country.
Northern and northeastern regions are expected to experience cold to very cold weather, with frost in some areas. Meanwhile, the southern regions will face thunderstorms due to monsoons, resulting in waves exceeding 2 metres in the sea.
A moderate high-pressure system or cold air mass from China is influencing the upper part of Thailand, causing a slight decrease in temperature. The northeast and north are forecasted to be cold to very cold, while central Thailand, including Bangkok, as well as eastern and upper southern regions, will feel cool in the morning.
The mountaintops and highlands are particularly chilly, with temperatures dropping to very cold levels in some areas, where frost may occur. Residents in these regions are advised to take care of their health due to the cold weather and to be mindful of potential fire hazards caused by dry and windy conditions.
The northeast monsoon covering the Gulf of Thailand and the southern region remains moderate, leading to scattered thunderstorms in the lower southern part. The Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea are experiencing moderate wind conditions, with waves reaching about 2 metres high in the lower Gulf and 1 to 2 metres in the upper Gulf, while the Andaman Sea sees waves of about 1 metre.
In areas with thunderstorms, waves could exceed 2 metres. Mariners in these areas are urged to navigate carefully and avoid sailing in stormy conditions. Dust and haze accumulation in the upper part of Thailand is expected to remain moderate due to prevailing winds and moderate ventilation.
Weather forecast
The weather forecast for Thailand from 6am today to 6am tomorrow, December 21, indicates that the northern region will be cool to cold with light fog in the morning, with a slight decrease in temperature. The minimum temperature will range from 15 to 19 degrees Celsius, while the maximum will be between 29 and 30 degrees Celsius.
On the mountaintops, temperatures will drop to between 5 and 12 degrees Celsius, with frost possible in some areas. The northeastern wind will blow at a speed of 10 to 15 kilometres per hour.
The northeastern region will experience cool to cold weather with a slight temperature drop. The minimum temperature will range from 12 to 17 degrees Celsius, and the maximum from 28 to 30 degrees Celsius.
On the mountain peaks, temperatures will be between 6 and 12 degrees Celsius. The northeastern wind will blow at a speed of 10 to 25 kilometres per hour.
In the central region, the weather will be cool in the morning with a slight temperature decrease. The minimum temperature will range from 16 to 19 degrees Celsius, and the maximum from 30 to 31 degrees Celsius. The northeastern wind will blow at a speed of 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.
The eastern region will also experience cool mornings with a slight temperature drop. The minimum temperature will range from 17 to 22 degrees Celsius, and the maximum will be between 30 and 32 degrees Celsius. The northeastern wind will blow at a speed of 15 to 30 kilometres per hour, with waves in the sea reaching about 1 metre and up to 1 to 2 metres offshore.
Strong winds
In the upper part of the southern region (eastern side), the weather will be cool in the morning with strong winds and thunderstorms affecting 20% of the area, mainly in Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. The minimum temperature will range from 20 to 26 degrees Celsius, and the maximum from 28 to 32 degrees Celsius.
Northeastern winds will blow at 15 to 35 kilometres per hour, with waves reaching 1 to 2 metres. In areas with thunderstorms, waves could exceed 2 metres.
For the southern region (western side), thunderstorms will affect 10% of the area, mainly in Trang and Satun. The minimum temperature will range from 22 to 25 degrees Celsius, and the maximum from 31 to 34 degrees Celsius.
Northeastern winds will blow at 15 to 35 kilometres per hour, with waves reaching about 1 metre and up to 1 to 2 metres offshore. In areas with thunderstorms, waves could exceed 2 metres, reported KhaoSod.
Bangkok and its vicinity will experience cool mornings with a slight temperature drop. The minimum temperature will range from 19 to 22 degrees Celsius, and the maximum from 30 to 33 degrees Celsius. Northeastern winds will blow at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.
