Thailand braces for hot, stormy weather across regions

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather warning for today, November 22, indicating hot conditions with scattered clouds in Bangkok and its surrounding areas, while the southern regions brace for heavy rainfall.

The TMD’s forecast for the next 24 hours reveals a moderate high-pressure system or cool air mass from China affecting the upper regions of Thailand, resulting in cool mornings in the north and northeast. Meanwhile, an easterly wind is influencing the eastern and lower central areas, bringing light rain in some locations.

Northern Thailand is experiencing cool mornings with a slight decrease in temperatures. Rainfall is expected in isolated areas, mainly in the upper part of the region. Temperatures range from a minimum of 18 to 22 degrees Celsius (°C) to a maximum of 30 to 34°C. In the mountains, temperatures may drop as low as 7 to 14°C.

In northeastern Thailand, the weather is similarly cool in the mornings, accompanied by strong winds. A minor drop in temperature is expected, with minimum temperatures between 17 to 22°C and maximum temperatures reaching 32 to 34°C. The mountain areas are cold, with temperatures at 13 to 18°C. The northeast wind is blowing at speeds of 10 to 30 kilometres per hour.

The central region will see partly cloudy skies with light rain in some areas. Temperatures will range from a low of 22 to 24°C to a high of 32 to 34°C. Similarly, the eastern region will have partly cloudy skies and strong winds, with light rain in isolated places. Temperature lows are expected to be between 23 to 25°C, with highs reaching 32 to 34°C. The sea will have waves about 1 metre high, increasing to 1 to 2 metres further offshore. In areas with thunderstorms, waves could rise above 2 metres.

Southern Thailand’s eastern coastline is set to experience thunderstorms in 80% of the area, with some locations expected to face heavy to very heavy rainfall. Affected provinces include Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat.

Cooler mornings

Temperatures will range from 23 to 26°C at their lowest to 29 to 33°C at their highest. From Nakhon Si Thammarat upwards, the sea will have waves 1 to 2 metres high, with waves exceeding 2 metres in thundery areas. Starting from Songkhla downwards, the sea will have waves around 2 metres high, with higher waves in stormy areas.

On the western coast of the South, thunderstorms are expected in 70% of the area, with heavy rain forecasted for provinces such as Ranong, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. Temperatures are expected to be between 24 to 26°C at their lowest and 31 to 33°C at their highest. The sea will have waves approximately 1 metre high, increasing to 1 to 2 metres further offshore, and in areas with thunderstorms, waves could rise above 2 metres.

In Bangkok and the surrounding metropolitan areas, partly cloudy skies are expected. Temperatures will range from a minimum of 24 to 26°C to a maximum of 33 to 35°C.