Thailand braces for intense heatwave with highs of 44 degrees Celsius

Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a severe heat warning today as temperatures are expected to soar up to a scorching 44 degrees Celsius. Citizens are advised to take precautions and avoid prolonged activities in open areas.

The high-pressure system caused by intense heat has blanketed the upper parts of Thailand, leading to generally hot to very hot weather conditions nationwide, accompanied by scattered thundershowers.

The public should take care of their health due to the extreme heat by avoiding outdoor work or activities for extended periods. While the lower northeastern and eastern parts are experiencing southeast and southwesterly winds, it has resulted in occasional thunderstorms in these areas. The residents are urged to be cautious of the dangers posed by the storms.

During this period, the northern, northeastern, and upper central regions are seeing moderate to high accumulations of dust particles and smoke due to weak winds and poor air circulation in these areas.

The weather forecast for Thailand from 6am today to 6am tomorrow predicts very hot weather generally across the northern region, with patchy clouds during the daytime. Minimum temperatures are ranging from 22 to 30 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures hitting a sweltering 39 to 44 degrees Celsius. The southwesterly winds are blowing at speeds of 5 to 15 kilometres per hour.

The northeastern region is also enduring generally scorching conditions with isolated thunderstorms, mainly in the lower part of the region. The lowest temperatures are between 24 and 29 degrees Celsius, while the highest can reach 42 to 44 degrees Celsius, with southwesterly winds blowing at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.

Temperature rises

In the central region, the heat is intense, with daytime clouds expected. Minimum temperatures are 26 to 29 degrees Celsius, and maximum temperatures can soar to 39 to 44 degrees Celsius, with southwesterly winds of 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.

The eastern region is generally hot, with some very hot spots and occurrences of thunderstorms, mostly in the lower areas. The temperature can go as low as 26 to 30 degrees Celsius and as high as 35 to 42 degrees Celsius, with southerly winds of 10 to 30 kilometres per hour, causing waves of less than 1 metre, and higher in storm-affected areas.

For the southern region (east coast), the weather is generally hot, with very hot spots and 20% of the area experiencing thunderstorms, particularly in the provinces of Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. The temperature ranges from 24 to 28 degrees Celsius to 35 to 41 degrees Celsius, with southeast winds at 10 to 30 kilometres per hour, and sea waves less than 1 metre high, but higher during thunderstorms.

In the southern region (west coast), the weather is generally hot, with 20% of the area expecting thunderstorms, especially in Ranong, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang, and Satun provinces. The temperatures vary from a minimum of 25 to 29 degrees Celsius to a maximum of 35 to 38 degrees Celsius, with southeast winds at 10 to 30 kilometres per hour, causing sea waves to stay below 1 metre and higher in storm-affected areas.

Bangkok and the surrounding vicinities are also experiencing generally hot weather with patchy clouds in the daytime. The temperature is expected to range from 28 to 30 degrees Celsius at the lowest to 35 to 42 degrees Celsius at the highest, with southwesterly winds at 10 to 25 kilometres per hour, reported KhaoSod.

Citizens should stay cautious as the TMD warns of extreme heat and advises against staying in open spaces, with 11 provinces expected to face thunderstorms.