Thailand braces for intense heatwave and summer storms

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning for sweltering to intense heat this weekend across upper Thailand, with the risk of summer storms causing heavy rainfall, potential hail, and strong winds. Bangkok is among the areas to be affected. The forecast for the coming week, from March 5 to March 11, indicates that a low-pressure system caused by intense heat will cover upper Thailand.

This weather pattern is expected to result in extremely hot conditions with isolated thunderstorms during the day. Southerly and southeasterly winds will bring rain and thunderstorms to the lower northeastern, lower central, and eastern regions. Although the southerly and southeasterly winds over the Gulf of Thailand, the southern region, and the Andaman Sea are weak, they will still cause some rain and thunderstorms in the south, accompanied by hot weather during the day.

From March 8 to March 11, a high-pressure system or cool air mass from China will extend over the lower northeastern part and the South China Sea. Combined with southerly and southeasterly winds, it will cover the lower northern region, the lower northeastern region, the central region, including Bangkok and its vicinity, and the eastern region.

While upper Thailand will experience very hot weather in many areas, summer storms are likely to occur with the characteristics of thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible hail in some areas, including the chance of lightning strikes. The southeasterly and easterly winds, which are weak over the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, will strengthen, leading to increased rain in the south. In the lower Gulf of Thailand, sea waves are expected to reach heights of 1 to 2 metres, and more than 2 metres in thunderstorm areas. The upper Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea will see waves of about 1 metre high, increasing to more than 1 metre during thunderstorms.

Residents in upper Thailand are advised to take care of their health due to the extreme heat from March 5 to March 8. From March 8 to March 11, they are also warned to be cautious of dangers posed by thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible hail, as well as lightning strikes. People should avoid open areas, large trees, weak structures, and billboards. Farmers are advised to prepare for potential damage to agricultural products and livestock during these periods.

Temperature rises

The weather forecast for the northern region is hot to very hot with isolated thunderstorms from March 5 to March 8. Minimum temperatures of 15 to 25 degrees Celsius and maximums of 35 to 40 degrees Celsius are expected. Southeasterly winds will blow at 5 to 15 kilometres per hour.

From March 9 to March 11, there is a 10 to 20% chance of thunderstorms, mainly in the lower parts, with strong winds and possible hail. Minimum temperatures will range from 18 to 26 degrees Celsius, and maximums from 34 to 38 degrees Celsius, with southerly winds at 10 to 15 kilometres per hour.

In the northeastern region, similar conditions are expected with southeasterly winds.

Central region and Bangkok will endure hot weather with a 10% chance of thunderstorms on March 5. Minimum temperatures of 24 to 27 degrees Celsius and maximums of 35 to 40 degrees Celsius are expected, with southerly winds at 10 to 15 kilometres per hour. From March 8 to March 11, thunderstorms are more likely, accompanied by strong winds and possible hail.

in the eastern and southern regions (both east and west coasts), hot weather with varying chances of thunderstorms and strong winds is predicted, with wave heights around 1 metre, increasing in thunderstorm areas, reported KhaoSod.

The public is advised to stay informed and prepared for the upcoming hot weather and summer storms, particularly from March 8 to March 11, and to take necessary precautions to avoid potential dangers.