Thai it all together: Storms, PM2.5 smog and rough seas ahead
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned of summer storms across much of Thailand today, with thunderstorms and rough seas expected in the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea. Meanwhile, northern Thailand continues to face persistent PM2.5 pollution.
The TMD forecasts weather conditions over the next 24 hours, indicating that a high-pressure system or a relatively strong cold air mass from China is covering upper Thailand. This will result in a 1 to 2°C drop in temperature and strong winds, though thunderstorms are still expected in some areas.
Residents in upper Thailand are advised to take care of their health amidst these changing weather conditions, and farmers should protect their crops and livestock from potential damage.
Strong easterly and southeasterly winds are affecting the Gulf of Thailand, the southern region, and the Andaman Sea, leading to heavy rain in some parts of the south. Waves in the lower Gulf of Thailand are between 2 and 3 metres high and over 3 metres in stormy areas. In the upper Gulf and the Andaman Sea, waves are between 1 and 2 metres high, reaching over 2 metres in rainy areas.
Residents in the south are cautioned about heavy rainfall, while sailors should avoid navigating in stormy areas. Small boats in the lower Gulf and offshore the Andaman Sea are advised to remain ashore until March 21.
Currently, weather conditions are contributing to the accumulation of dust particles. The northern region continues to experience high levels of dust due to weak prevailing winds. In contrast, the northeastern, central, and eastern regions have moderate to good air quality as winds strengthen.
Weather forecast
In the north, temperatures will drop by 1 to 2°C with thunderstorms occurring in 10% of the area, mainly in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, and Nan. Temperatures range from 20 to 24°C to 31 to 35°C, with southeasterly winds at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.
The northeast will experience cool mornings with strong winds. Temperatures range from 16 to 21°C to 27 to 31°C, with northeasterly winds at 15 to 30 kilometres per hour.
In the central region, temperatures will decrease by 1 to 2°C with thunderstorms in 10% of the area, mostly in Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi. Temperatures range from 24 to 26°C to 33 to 35°C, with southeasterly winds at 10 to 25 kilometres per hour.
The east will see a temperature drop of 1 to 2°C with thunderstorms in 10% of the area, mainly in Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Temperatures range from 22 to 25°C to 32 to 34°C, with southeasterly winds at 15 to 35 kilometres per hour. Waves are around 1 metre high, reaching 1 to 2 metres offshore.
In the south (eastern coast), thunderstorms are expected in 30% of the area, with heavy rain in Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, and Songkhla. Temperatures range from 23 to 25°C to 32 to 33°C.
From Surat Thani upwards, easterly winds are at 15 to 35 kilometres per hour with waves of 1 to 2 metres, reaching over 2 metres in stormy areas. From Nakhon Si Thammarat downwards, easterly winds are at 20 to 40 kilometres per hour with waves of 2 to 3 metres, reaching over 3 metres in stormy areas.
The south (western coast) will have thunderstorms in 30% of the area, mainly in Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Krabi. Temperatures range from 24 to 25°C to 33 to 35°C, with easterly winds at 15 to 35 kilometres per hour. Waves are 1 to 2 metres high, reaching over 2 metres offshore and in stormy areas, reported KhaoSod.
In Bangkok and surrounding areas, temperatures will decrease by 1 to 2°C with strong winds. Temperatures range from 25 to 27°C to 33 to 36°C, with southeasterly winds at 10 to 25 kilometres per hour.
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