Stormy outlook: TMD warns of thunderstorms in 41 provinces

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather alert forecasting thunderstorms across 41 provinces, urging preparedness as a surge of moisture from the Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea affects the region. As the country braces for potentially disruptive weather, the northern part experiences intense heat, with some areas seeing particularly severe conditions.

Residents throughout Thailand, especially in the northern regions, are advised to take caution due to expected thunderstorms and strong wind gusts. The combination of high temperatures and incoming moisture is creating unstable atmospheric conditions, leading to the prediction of scattered showers and thunderstorms with a 20% to 40% chance of occurring nationwide.

In the northern provinces, including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Tak, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun, the daytime will be extremely hot, with temperatures ranging from 36 to 42 degrees Celsius. Thunderstorms are expected to hit 40% of the area, accompanied by strong wind gusts. The lowest temperatures in this region will hover between 24 and 27 degrees Celsius.

The northeast, not spared from the sweltering heat, will also experience thunderstorms in 30% of its area. Strong winds are anticipated in places such as Bueng Kan, Loei, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani. Here, the mercury will fluctuate between 23 and 27 degrees Celsius for lows and reach highs of 35 to 36 degrees Celsius.

For the central region, including Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Lopburi, Saraburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, and Kanchanaburi, 40% of the area is set to experience similar weather patterns. The temperatures in these areas will range from a comfortable 25 to 28 degrees Celsius at the coolest part of the day to a scorching 36 to 38 degrees Celsius at the peak.

In the eastern provinces such as Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat, thunderstorms are again forecasted for 40% of the area, with temperatures reaching highs of 34 to 36 degrees Celsius and lows of 24 to 28 degrees Celsius. For those out at sea, waves are expected to stay below 1 metre but could rise above that in stormy conditions.

Thunderstorm warning

The situation is slightly less severe on the east coast of the southern region, where only 20% of areas like Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pattalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat are expected to experience thunderstorms. Temperatures will vary from 23 to 28 degrees Celsius for lows and 34 to 37 degrees Celsius for highs, with sea conditions mirroring the east with waves remaining below 1 metre but increasing during storms.

On the west coast of the south, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun are also preparing for thunderstorms in 30% of the region. Temperatures will be similar to the east coast, with the mercury expected to be between 25 and 26 degrees Celsius at its lowest and rising to 35 to 37 degrees Celsius at its highest, reported KhaoSod.

Lastly, Bangkok and its surrounding areas are not exempt from the sweltering heat and potential thunderstorms, which are predicted to affect 40% of this region. The capital will see temperatures ranging from 27 to 28 degrees Celsius in the cooler hours, soaring to highs of 35 to 38 degrees Celsius.