Thailand faces severe weather with strong winds, 42°C heatwave

A severe weather warning has been issued by the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) for 39 provinces today, forecasting thunderstorms, strong winds, and potential hail, especially in the northern and northeastern regions. The country is also experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures soaring to a peak of 42 degrees Celsius.

Today’s weather conditions, as predicted by the TMD at 6am, indicate a low-pressure area caused by intense heat covering upper Thailand. This is expected to result in very hot weather with sporadic thunderstorms during the day. Residents in affected areas are advised to take precautions to maintain their health by avoiding prolonged outdoor activities as the hot conditions persist.

The southerly and southeasterly winds are bringing moisture from the Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea to the lower northeastern, lower central, and eastern regions, while the southwestern and southern winds covering the upper northeastern regions are contributing to today’s forecast of thunderstorms and strong winds, with hail possible in certain areas.

The upper regions of Thailand are likely to face thunderstorms with strong winds, along with the possibility of hail in some areas across the northern and upper northeastern parts. The public is urged to be vigilant against the dangers of thunderstorms, gusty winds, and hail during this period.

The eastern winds and southeast winds are expected to cover the Gulf of Thailand, the southern region, and the Andaman Sea, leading to occasional thunderstorms in the south as well.

In the northern, northeastern, and upper central regions, moderate to high concentrations of dust particles and smog are recorded due to weak wind cover and poor air circulation. The weather forecast from 6am today to 6am tomorrow predicts hot temperatures generally across the north.

In the northern region, isolated thunderstorms cover 10% of the area, accompanied by strong winds and occasional hail, particularly in provinces such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Phitsanulok, Phichit, and Phetchabun. Minimum temperatures are expected to range from 23 to 28 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures reaching 39 to 42 degrees Celsius, and southwesterly winds blowing at 5 to 15 kilometres per hour.

Temperature rises

The northeastern region is also expected to be hot to very hot, with isolated thunderstorms covering 20% of the area and strong winds and potential hail in some places, especially in provinces like Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Kalasin, Mukdahan, and Ubon Ratchathani. The lowest temperatures could range from 24 to 28 degrees Celsius, with highs between 39 and 41 degrees Celsius, and southwesterly winds at 5 to 15 kilometres per hour.

Central Thailand is also experiencing hot to very hot conditions, with isolated thunderstorms in 10% of the area and gusty winds in some parts, particularly in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. Minimum temperatures are expected to be 26 to 29 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures of 38 to 41 degrees Celsius, and southerly winds at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.

In eastern Thailand, the weather is generally hot, with isolated thunderstorms in 10% of the area and strong winds in some places, especially in Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Sa Kaeo, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. The lowest temperatures could range from 26 to 29 degrees Celsius, with highs of 34 to 40 degrees Celsius, and southerly winds at 10 to 30 kilometres per hour. The sea will have waves of less than 1 metre, and in areas with thunderstorms, waves could be higher than 1 metre.

The southern region (east coast) is experiencing hot daytime weather with very hot conditions in some places, and isolated thunderstorms covering 10% of the area, mainly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Songkhla, Yala, and Narathiwat. Minimum temperatures are forecasted to be 23 to 27 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures of 34 to 40 degrees Celsius, and southeast winds at 10 to 30 kilometres per hour. Sea conditions will have waves lower than 1 metre and higher than 1 metre in areas with thunderstorms.

Similarly, in the southern region (west coast), the weather is hot during the day, with isolated thunderstorms covering 10% of the area, mainly in Trang and Satun. Minimum temperatures are expected to range from 25 to 26 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures of 35 to 38 degrees Celsius and easterly winds at 10 to 30 kilometres per hour. The sea will have waves of less than 1 metre and higher than 1 metre in areas with thunderstorms, reported KhaoSod.

In Bangkok and the surrounding vicinities, the weather is generally hot, with clear skies during the day and very hot conditions in some areas. Minimum temperatures are forecasted to be 28 to 29 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures of 36 to 40 degrees Celsius, and southerly winds at 10 to 25 kilometres per hour.