Rain check: Thailand takes a chill pill as north braces for wind, rain
Thailand braces for cooler temperatures and strong winds in the north, while heavy rainfall is expected to pound 12 provinces. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued warnings about potential severe weather conditions, including strong waves exceeding 2 metres.
A moderate high-pressure system from China now blankets upper Thailand and the South China Sea, leading to cooler weather and breezy mornings in the northern and northeastern regions. Meanwhile, easterly winds are affecting the eastern and lower central parts of the country, causing scattered light showers.
Residents in these areas are advised to take precautions to maintain their health amidst the fluctuating weather conditions.
The northeast monsoon is gaining strength over the Gulf of Thailand and the southern region, resulting in heavy to very heavy rainfall in some southern areas. The department has emphasised the potential for flash floods and forest runoffs, urging residents to stay vigilant. The upper and lower Gulf of Thailand will experience increased wave activity, with significant caution advised for maritime activities, said a TMD spokesperson.
“Rainfall in the southern region could be particularly intense, with warnings of severe downpours and potential flooding.”
In the lower Gulf of Thailand, waves are expected to rise to about 2 metres, while the upper Gulf may see waves between 1 and 2 metres. The Andaman Sea is also experiencing waves around 1 metre high, increasing to 1 to 2 metres offshore. During thunderstorms, wave heights could exceed 2 metres, prompting caution for seafarers who are advised to avoid areas with thunderstorms.
Heavy rain
Weather forecasts for Thailand from 6am today to 6am tomorrow predict cool morning temperatures in the northern region with minor temperature drops. Light rain is anticipated in isolated areas, primarily in the upper part, with lows between 18 and 22°C and highs of 31 and 34°C. Mountain peaks will witness cold to very cold conditions, with temperatures ranging from 7 to 14°C. Northeasterly winds are expected at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.
Northeastern Thailand will similarly experience cool mornings with strong winds. Temperatures are forecasted to range from 17 to 21°C at their lowest to 32 to 34°C at their highest. Peaks in this region will see cool to cold weather, with lows of 13 to 18°C and winds at 10 to 30 kilometres per hour.
Central Thailand will see partly cloudy skies with occasional light rain, temperatures ranging from 23 to 24°C at the lowest to 32 to 34°C at the highest, and winds blowing from the northeast at 10 to 25 kilometres per hour.
In the eastern region, similar weather patterns prevail, with minimal rainfall and temperatures between 23 and 25°C for lows and 31 and 34°C for highs. The sea will have waves about 1 metre high, increasing to 1 to 2 metres offshore, with higher waves during thunderstorms.
In the southern region’s eastern side, thunderstorms are expected over 70% of the area, with heavy to very heavy rain in provinces such as Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Temperatures will range from 23 to 26°C to a maximum of 29 to 33°C.
From Nakhon Si Thammarat upwards, winds will come from the northeast at 15 to 35 kilometres per hour, with sea waves between 1 and 2 metres, rising during thunderstorms. Southwards from Songkhla, winds will be stronger at 20 to 35 kilometres per hour, with 2-metre-high waves and higher in thunderstorm areas.
On the western side of the south, thunderstorms are expected over 60% of the area with heavy rain in provinces like Krabi, Trang, and Satun. Temperatures will vary from 24 to 26°C for lows to 31 to 34°C for highs, with easterly winds at 15 to 30 kilometres per hour. The sea will have waves about 1 metre high, increasing to 1 to 2 metres offshore and higher during thunderstorms, reported KhaoSod.
Bangkok and surrounding areas will experience partly cloudy skies with light rain in some areas. Temperatures will range between 24 and 26°C at their lowest to 33 and 34°C at their highest, with winds from the northeast at 10 to 25 kilometres per hour.
