Stormy forecast: Thailand braces for thunder, wind, and hail

Thailand’s northern region is bracing for severe summer storms, as the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issues a warning for thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible hail in some areas. The warning, which took effect from 5am today, April 10, and is expected to continue until tomorrow, April 11, is a result of high-pressure systems from China extending over the northeast of the country and the South China Sea.

The country’s upper region is currently experiencing exceptionally hot weather, aggravated by westerly wind waves passing through Myanmar and upper northern Thailand. Such conditions are conducive to the formation of summer storms characterised by thunderstorms, gusty winds, and in some places, hailstorms, with lightning strikes also a possibility in certain areas.

The storms are anticipated to impact the northeast first, with other regions to follow. The public is advised to prepare for the storms by avoiding open spaces, taking shelter away from large trees, weak buildings, and advertising hoardings, and farmers are urged to safeguard their crops and livestock from potential damage.

The affected provinces today, April 10 include:

In the north: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, and Tak.

In the northeast: Loei, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Chaiyaphum, and Nakhon Ratchasima.

In the central region: Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Lopburi, Saraburi, Singburi, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Suphanburi, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Songkhram, as well as Bangkok and its vicinity.

In the east: Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, and Rayong.

For April 11, the northern provinces expected to be affected are Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, and Tak, reported KhaoSod.

Residents are urged to stay updated by following announcements from the TMD and can access information on the department’s website at http://www.tmd.go.th or through the 24-hour hotline numbers 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182.