Thailand braces for turbulent weather as storms target 18 provinces

Thailand faces a significant meteorological event as the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issues a storm warning affecting 18 provinces. The TMD forecasts thunderstorms, with a 10% chance of heavy rainfall across these regions, signalling a turbulent start to March.

As the country braces for summer storms from March 1 to March 3, areas particularly affected should prepare for strong gusts and possible hailstorms. The TMD highlighted today, February 29, as the beginning of 24 hours of caution due to a low-pressure area caused by heat covering the upper part of Thailand, coupled with southerly and southeasterly winds dominating the weather pattern.

These conditions are expected to result in hot weather during the day, with scattered thunderstorms. The public is advised to be vigilant against the dangers posed by these thunderstorms, which may include strong winds and hail. The TMD’s warning extends to the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, where southerly and southeasterly winds are also expected to cause thunderstorms in the south.

Marine conditions in the lower Gulf of Thailand are forecasted to be moderate, with wave heights reaching 1 to 2 metres. In areas experiencing thunderstorms, waves may exceed 2 metres. Similarly, the upper Gulf and the Andaman Sea are anticipated to have waves around 1 metre, potentially rising higher during thunderstorms. Sailors in these regions are urged to navigate with caution and avoid areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur, reported KhaoSod.

The weekend forecast indicates that the summer storms are certain to hit, bringing strong winds and hail. Additionally, between March 1 and March 3, high-pressure areas or cool air masses from China will extend over the northeastern part of Thailand and the South China Sea. These systems, along with easterly and southeasterly winds, will cover the lower northern, lower northeastern, central, and eastern parts of the country. These weather patterns are conducive to the development of summer storms, characterised by thunderstorms, strong winds, and occasional hail across the upper part of Thailand.

Dust particles and smoke haze are expected to reach moderate to high levels in the northern, northeastern, and upper central regions due to weak winds and poor air circulation. For the 24 hours from today at 6am to tomorrow at 6am, the northern region is expected to experience hot weather with scattered thunderstorms affecting 10% of the area, particularly in the provinces of Tak, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun. Minimum temperatures are forecasted to range from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures between 37 and 39 degrees Celsius. Southerly winds will blow at speeds of 5 to 15 kilometres per hour.

Storm warning

Similarly, the northeastern, central, eastern, and southern regions are expected to experience hot weather accompanied by scattered thunderstorms. In the south, both the east and west coasts will see hot weather during the day, with varying chances of rain. Fishermen and mariners should be aware of the potential for high waves, particularly in areas affected by thunderstorms.

In Bangkok and the surrounding metropolitan areas, hot weather with occasional cloud cover is expected, with a 10% chance of thunderstorms. Minimum temperatures are projected at 26 to 27 degrees Celsius, while maximum temperatures could reach 35 to 37 degrees Celsius, with southerly winds moving at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.

Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety amidst these meteorological disturbances.