Thailand grapples with severe heatwave and storm warnings

Thailand is currently experiencing a widespread heatwave, with temperatures soaring to scorching highs and a warning issued for potential thunderstorms across 25 provinces. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), in its latest forecast, indicated that a low-pressure area caused by intense heat covers most of the country, leading to generally hot to very hot weather conditions, with thunderstorms expected in some areas.

Residents are advised to take precautions to safeguard their health due to the extreme heat. They should avoid prolonged outdoor activities and be wary of sporadic strong winds. The capital city, Bangkok, recorded a sweltering 41 degrees Celsius today, April 21.

The northern, northeastern, and upper central regions are experiencing moderate to high levels of dust particles/smoke due to weak wind circulation and poor air dispersion. The forecast for these regions from 6am today to 6am tomorrow includes hot to very hot weather with a 10% chance of thunderstorms, particularly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, and Tak provinces, where temperatures are expected to range from a low of 21 to 29 degrees Celsius to a high of 38 to 41 degrees Celsius.

The northeastern part of the country, encompassing areas such as Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani, is also sweltering with similar temperatures and a likelihood of thunderstorms and gusty winds.

The central region, including Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, and Uthai Thani, is not spared from the heat, with thunderstorms predicted in 10% of the area and temperatures reaching highs of 39 to 42 degrees Celsius.

In the eastern provinces of Sa Kaeo, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat, the weather is predominantly hot, with isolated areas experiencing severe heat. Thunderstorms are forecasted for 10% of the region, and southern winds with speeds ranging from 10 to 30 kilometres per hour are expected to cause waves of less than 1 metre in the sea, rising above 1 metre during thunderstorms.

Temperature rises

The southern region of Thailand, particularly Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Yala, and Narathiwat, is experiencing hot days with a 30% chance of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in some places. The temperatures in this region range from a low of 24 to 28 degrees Celsius to a high of 35 to 40 degrees Celsius.

On the west coast of the southern region, including Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun, hot weather prevails during the day, with a 30% chance of thunderstorms and heavy rain in some areas. The sea is expected to have waves about 1 metre high, increasing during thunderstorms.

The residents of Bangkok and surrounding areas are enduring generally hot to very hot weather with a chance of isolated thunderstorms. The temperature in the capital is expected to range from a low of 29 to 30 degrees Celsius to a high of 37 to 41 degrees Celsius, reported KhaoSod.

As the nation copes with these extreme weather conditions, the TMD advises the public to stay vigilant and heed weather warnings, particularly regarding thunderstorms and strong winds. Mariners are also cautioned to navigate carefully and avoid sea areas affected by thunderstorms.

The public, especially in the northern, northeastern, and upper central regions, should be aware of the moderate to high levels of dust particles and smoke in the atmosphere.