Thailand braces for cold snap with frost on mountain tops
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather warning, predicting cold to very cold conditions, with frost on some mountaintops. Bangkok might experience a low temperature of 18 degrees Celsius, while five provinces are expected to have thunderstorms.
Today, January 19, the TMD forecasted that the northern, northeastern, and central regions will continue to experience chilly to cold weather with morning fog. The eastern and southern upper regions, including Bangkok and its surrounding areas, will also see cooler mornings.
Residents of Thailand are advised to take care of their health due to the persistent cold weather and to be cautious of potential fires due to dry conditions. Please know that care is also advised when travelling through foggy areas.
The high-pressure system or moderate cold air mass, currently covers upper Thailand and the South China Sea. Meanwhile, the northeastern monsoon over the Gulf of Thailand, southern regions, and the Andaman Sea has weakened.
This reduces rainfall in the lower southern region, with moderate sea conditions. Waves in the lower Gulf of Thailand may reach around 2 metres, while the upper Gulf has waves ranging from 1 to 2 metres.
Areas experiencing thunderstorms can expect waves higher than 2 metres. The Andaman Sea will see waves about 1 metre high, extending to 1 to 2 metres farther from the shore. Mariners in these areas are advised to navigate with caution and avoid regions with thunderstorms.
Weather forecast
Air quality is affected by weak air circulation and the presence of an inversion layer near the ground, limiting the dispersion of pollutants. As a result, particulate matter concentration is likely to increase.
In the northern region, temperatures will range from 11 to 18 degrees Celsius, with highs of 28 to 33 degrees Celsius. Mountain tops will be very cold with some frost, and the lowest temperatures are expected to be between 3 and 10 degrees Celsius.
The northeastern region will see similar conditions, with temperatures ranging from 11 to 16 degrees Celsius and highs of 28 to 31 degrees Celsius.
In the central region, temperatures will dip to 15 to 19 degrees Celsius, reaching highs of 31 to 33 degrees Celsius.
The eastern region will experience lows of 16 to 22 degrees Celsius and highs of 31 to 33 degrees Celsius, with waves in the sea about 1 metre high and up to 1 to 2 metres farther from shore.
In the southern (eastern coast) region, the upper part will have cool mornings and a 20% chance of thunderstorms, mainly in Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Temperatures will range from 18 to 24 degrees Celsius, with highs of 29 to 31 degrees Celsius.
From Nakhon Si Thammarat upwards, winds will blow at 15 to 35 kilometres per hour with waves 1 to 2 metres high and more than 2-metre waves in thunderstorm areas. South of Songkhla, winds will be 20 to 35 kilometres per hour with similar sea conditions.
The western coast of the southern region will be cool in the mornings with light rain in some areas, especially in the lower part of the region. Temperatures will range from 21 to 25 degrees Celsius, with highs of 30 to 32 degrees Celsius.
In Bangkok and its vicinity, cool weather with light morning fog is expected, and temperatures will range from 18 to 22 degrees Celsius, with highs of 31 to 34 degrees Celsius, reported KhaoSod.
The TMD continues to warn of cold to very cold conditions and frost on some mountain peaks, with Bangkok experiencing lows around 18 degrees Celsius and five provinces bracing for thunderstorms.