Thailand faces thunderstorms and high waves, north cools down
Today’s weather update signals turbulent conditions across the country, with the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issuing an alert for thunderstorms in 20 provinces. The forecast warns of high waves exceeding 2 metres in the southern seas, while the northern region experiences a significant drop in temperature.
The weather pattern over the upper northern region is influenced by a westerly wind in the upper levels, leading to cooler air and a temperature decrease. This development is expected to continue until tomorrow, with the lowest temperatures ranging from 15 to 22 degrees Celsius and the highest from 27 to 33 degrees Celsius. At higher altitudes, the weather is cold to very cold, with possible frost, as temperatures are anticipated to fall between 4 and 12 degrees Celsius.
In contrast, the high-pressure area or moderate cold mass that covers Thailand and the weakening South China Sea is causing temperatures in the upper part of the country to rise. However, mornings will still be cool with fog.
Lower northern, central, and eastern regions expect some rainfall due to the influence of southerly and southeasterly winds. The public in these areas is advised to take care of their health due to the changing weather conditions and to exercise caution when travelling through foggy areas.
The moderate northeast monsoon that blankets the Gulf of Thailand and the Deep South is weakening, resulting in occasional thunderstorms in the southern region. In the lower Gulf, waves are forecasted at 1 to 2 metres, but areas with thunderstorms can expect waves higher than 2 metres.
Fishermen are advised to navigate cautiously and avoid areas with thunderstorms during this period. Upper Thailand is experiencing increased dust and smoke accumulation due to the weakening winds, reported KhaoSod.
cool mornings
For the northeast, the cool morning conditions are to be followed by a slight temperature increase, with showers expected in only 10% of the area. Provinces like Loei, Chaiyaphum, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, and Sakon Nakhon will see the lowest temperatures at 19 to 22 degrees Celsius and the highest at 29 to 35 degrees Celsius. Mountain tops will be cold, with minimum temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees Celsius.
The central region will also start with cool mornings, followed by a slight temperature rise of 1 to 2 degrees Celsius and light rain in some areas. Minimum temperatures are expected to be between 21 and 23 degrees Celsius and maximum temperatures between 31 and 35 degrees Celsius.
In the east, morning fog will give way to higher temperatures of 1 to 2 degrees Celsius, with light rain and temperatures ranging from a low of 23 to 24 degrees Celsius to a high of 33 to 35 degrees Celsius. The sea here will have waves of less than 1 metre near the shore and about 1 metre offshore.
The southern region (East Coast) anticipates thunderstorms in 10% of the area, particularly in the provinces of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Yala, and Narathiwat, with lows of 22 to 25 degrees Celsius and highs of 31 to 36 degrees Celsius. The sea will have waves of about 1 metre and higher than 1 metre in stormy areas.
The southern region (West Coast) expects similar conditions, with Ranong and Phang Nga experiencing minimum temperatures of 22 to 26 degrees Celsius and maximum temperatures of 34 to 37 degrees Celsius.
In Bangkok and its vicinity, morning fog will lead to an increase in temperature by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius, with the possibility of light rain. The temperature range is forecasted to be between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius for the lows and 33 and 35 degrees Celsius for the highs. The TMD’s warning of thunderstorms and high waves over 2 metres in the southern seas, coupled with the chilly weather in the north.
