Cold front takes Thailand by storm: Brace for a chilling forecast
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather warning for today, predicting cold to very cold conditions due to a strong cold air mass. Severe thunderstorms are expected to hit 14 provinces, including Bangkok.
In the latest forecast, the TMD indicated that a relatively strong high-pressure system or cold air mass from China has now extended to northern Vietnam and Laos. This system is expected to cover the upper northeastern regions of Thailand today, December 12, leading to scattered rain initially.
Morning temperatures are expected to be chilly, particularly in mountainous areas where the cold will be more pronounced. Residents in these areas are advised to take care of their health due to the changing weather conditions and to exercise caution when travelling through fog-prone zones.
The northeastern monsoon winds over the Gulf of Thailand and southern regions are gaining strength, resulting in increased thunderstorms and heavy rain in some areas. The marine conditions in the Gulf of Thailand are expected to become rougher. A public announcement by the TMD warned of temperatures dropping by 8°C and heavy to very heavy rainfall.
The Gulf of Thailand is experiencing waves of 1 to 2 metres in height, with areas of thunderstorms seeing waves exceeding 2 metres. Mariners are advised to proceed with caution and avoid navigating through thunderstorm-prone areas.
From today through the next few days, the northeastern monsoon winds over the Gulf of Thailand and southern regions will intensify. Additionally, a low-pressure system over the South China Sea is predicted to move across the Gulf and lower southern regions, leading to increased rainfall and heavy to very heavy rain in some places.
Cold weather
Air pollution levels in the upper part of the country are expected to decrease, thanks to scattered rain and improved ventilation. The weather forecast for Thailand from 6am today to 6am tomorrow predicts the following conditions:
In the northern region, the morning will be cold with minimum temperatures ranging from 18°C to 21°C and maximum temperatures between 32°C and 35°C. On the mountain tops, temperatures will drop to 9°C to 14°C. Northeastern winds will blow at a speed of 5 to 15 kilometres per hour.
In the northeastern region, expect cool weather with light morning fog and a 10% chance of rain, mostly in the lower parts. Temperatures will range from 18°C to 22°C at their lowest and 32°C to 33°C at their highest. On mountain tops, temperatures will be between 12°C and 16°C. Northeastern winds will blow at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.
For the central region, cool weather with light fog is anticipated in the morning, with a 10% chance of rain mostly in the lower and eastern parts. Temperatures will range from 21°C to 23°C at their lowest and 33°C to 35°C at their peak. Northeastern winds will blow at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.
The eastern region will see light morning fog with a 30% chance of rain. Minimum temperatures will be between 22°C and 25°C, while maximum temperatures will range from 32°C to 34°C. Northeastern winds will blow at 15 to 35 kilometres per hour. Sea waves will be about 1 metre high, increasing to 1 to 2 metres offshore.
In the southern region (east coast), thunderstorms are expected over 70% of the area, with some places experiencing heavy to very heavy rain. Affected provinces include Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat.
Thunderstorm areas
Minimum temperatures will range from 23°C to 24°C, with maximum temperatures between 28°C and 32°C. Northeastern winds will blow at 15 to 35 kilometres per hour. Sea waves will be 1 to 2 metres high, increasing to more than 2 metres in thunderstorm areas.
On the west coast of the southern region, 60% of the area will experience thunderstorms, mainly impacting Ranong, Krabi, Trang, and Satun provinces. Minimum temperatures will range from 23°C to 25°C, with maximum temperatures between 30°C and 32°C.
Eastern winds will blow at 15 to 30 kilometres per hour. Sea waves will be less than 1 metre high, increasing to more than 1 metre offshore and over 2 metres in thunderstorm areas, reported KhaoSod.
Bangkok and its vicinity can expect light morning fog and a 20% chance of rain. Minimum temperatures will range from 24°C to 26°C, with maximum temperatures between 33°C and 35°C. Northeastern winds will blow at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.
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