Thailand heat wave is no joke, 40°C and stormy tempers ahead

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) today forecasted that Thailand’s upper regions would experience hot weather, with some areas reaching extreme temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius. Some 26 provinces were warned to prepare for potential thunderstorms from Thursday, and strong winds.
The heat in the northern, northeastern, and central regions is due to low atmospheric pressure covering upper Thailand. Residents are advised to maintain their health during this hot period by avoiding prolonged outdoor activities.
Meanwhile, southern and southeastern winds are affecting the lower north, northeast, central, and eastern regions, leading to thunderstorms and gusty winds. People are advised to be cautious of the weather hazards.
Additionally, from March 6 to March 8, the north, northeast, central regions, Bangkok, and the east are expected to face summer storms, characterised by thunderstorms, strong winds, hail in some places, and possible lightning strikes. This is caused by a moderate high-pressure system from China covering the northeast and the South China Sea, while upper Thailand remains hot.
Residents should avoid areas prone to thunderstorms and seek shelter away from large trees, unstable structures, and billboards. Farmers are encouraged to reinforce their crops and protect livestock from potential damage.
The weather conditions may also affect dust accumulation in the north, northeast, and central upper regions, where the levels range from moderate to relatively high due to the weak to moderate wind coverage.
Weather forecast
North: Generally hot with haze during the day and extremely hot in some areas. Thunderstorms are expected in 10% of the area with gusty winds, mainly in Tak and Phetchabun. Temperatures range from 16 to 25°C to 35 to 40°C with southwesterly winds at 5 to 15 kilometres per hour.
Northeast: Hot with daytime haze and very hot in some parts. Thunderstorms are expected in 20% of the area with gusty winds, especially in Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Chaiyaphum, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, and Nakhon Ratchasima. Temperatures range from 20 to 26°C to 37 to 40°C with southerly winds at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.
Central: Generally hot with daytime haze and very hot in some areas. Thunderstorms are expected in 10% of the area with gusty winds, mostly in Lopburi, Saraburi, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. Temperatures range from 24 to 26°C to 37 to 40°C with southerly winds at 1 to 20 kilometres per hour.
East: Hot with daytime haze. Thunderstorms are expected in 10% of the area with gusty winds, mainly in Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Temperatures range from 25 to 28°C to 32 to 38°C with southerly winds at 10 to 30 kilometres per hour. The sea will have waves below 1 metre, rising above 1 metre during thunderstorms.
South (east coast): Partly cloudy with thunderstorms in 10% of the area, mainly in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan. Temperatures range from 22 to 25°C to 31 to 36°C, with easterly winds at 10 to 30 kilometres per hour. The sea will have waves below 1 metre, rising above 1 metre during thunderstorms.
South (west coast): Hot during the day with thunderstorms in 10% of the area, primarily in Ranong and Phang Nga. Temperatures range from 23 to 26°C to 33 to 36°C, with easterly winds at 10 to 30 kilometres per hour. The sea will have waves below 1 metre, rising above 1 metre during thunderstorms, reported KhaoSod.
Bangkok and Surrounding Areas: Generally hot with daytime haze. Thunderstorms are expected in 10% of the area. Temperatures range from 25 to 28°C to 34 to 37°C with southerly winds at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.