Thailand weather: Cooler north, rain in central and southern regions

Thailand sees a shift in weather patterns, experiencing a noticeable drop in temperatures in the northern and northeastern regions, while the central and eastern parts continue to see scattered rain. The southern region faces strong winds and heavy downpours.

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) forecasts weather conditions for the next 24 hours, predicting cool mornings in the upper northern and northeastern regions. However, thunderstorms are expected in some areas, particularly in the eastern part of the northeastern region, the lower central region, and the east.

This weather pattern is influenced by a high-pressure system or cold air mass covering the upper northern and northeastern regions. Additionally, a strong low-pressure area is situated along the central coast of Vietnam.

The Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand will experience moderate sea conditions. Waves in the lower Andaman Sea are expected to reach about 2 metres, while waves in the upper Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand will be between 1 and 2 metres high. In areas with thunderstorms, waves could exceed 2 metres. Mariners in these regions are advised to navigate carefully and avoid sailing in stormy areas.

In the northern region, residents can expect cool mornings with a 10% chance of rain, mostly in Mae Hong Son, Tak, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun provinces. Temperatures will range from 20 to 26 degrees Celsius (°C) in the morning to 32 to 36°C in the afternoon. Northeasterly winds are expected at speeds of 10 to 20 kilometres per hour (km/h).

in the northeastern region, cool mornings with a 20% chance of thunderstorms are to be expected, mainly in Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces. Temperatures will range from 19 to 23°C in the morning to 30 to 34°C in the afternoon. Northeasterly winds will blow at speeds of 10 to 30 km/h.

Cooler mornings

In the central region, thunderstorms are expected in 20% of the area, particularly in Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, and Samut Sakhon provinces. Morning temperatures will be between 23 and 25°C, rising to 33 to 36°C in the afternoon. Easterly winds will blow at 10 to 25 km/h.

In the eastern region, thunderstorms in 30% of the area, mainly in Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat provinces. Morning temperatures will range from 23 to 26°C, and afternoon temperatures will be between 32 and 34°C. Northeasterly winds will blow at 15 to 30 km/h. Waves in the sea will be about 1 metre high but could exceed 2 metres in stormy areas.

In the southern region (east coast), thunderstorms are expected in 60% of the area with heavy rainfall in some places, mainly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Songkhla, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces. Morning temperatures will be between 23 and 26°C, and afternoon temperatures will be between 33 and 34°C. Northwesterly winds will blow at 15 to 35 km/h. Waves in the sea will be about 1 metre high, reaching 1 to 2 metres offshore, and over 2 metres in stormy areas.

In the southern region (west coast), thunderstorms cover 60% of the area with heavy rainfall in some places, mainly in Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun provinces. Morning temperatures will be between 23 and 26°C, and afternoon temperatures will be between 30 and 33°C. Northwesterly winds will blow at 8 to 18 knots or 15 to 35 km/h. Waves in the sea will be 1 to 2 metres high and over 2 metres in stormy areas.

In Bangkok and surrounding areas, thunderstorms are expected in 30% of the area. Morning temperatures will be between 26 and 27°C, rising to 33 to 35°C in the afternoon. Easterly winds will blow at 10 to 25 km/h.