Bangkok braces for a thunderstorm as heavy rains roll in
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecast thunderstorms in 39 provinces tomorrow, with Bangkok expected to experience the heaviest rainfall. Strong gusts of wind and high waves in the Gulf of Thailand are anticipated, prompting cautious navigation advice for sailors.
Yesterday, February 19, the TMD issued a 24-hour weather forecast. Thunderstorms are expected in parts of northern Thailand, the western region of the northeast, central Thailand, including Bangkok and its vicinity, and the eastern region.
This is due to southerly and southeasterly winds bringing moisture from the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Residents in upper Thailand are advised to maintain their health due to changing weather conditions and to be cautious of thunderstorms. Farmers should also take precautions to protect their crops.
The radar indicates rain over Bangkok and its vicinity. The TMD has outlined areas likely to be affected by the rain.
A moderate northeast monsoon is covering the Gulf of Thailand and the south, causing thunderstorms there. High waves, reaching 1 to 2 metres in the lower Gulf and approximately 1 metre in the upper Gulf, are expected to exceed 2 metres in areas with thunderstorms.
Sailors in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea should navigate carefully and avoid sailing in thunderstorm areas. Dust and haze levels in northern and upper central Thailand are moderate to high. The weather forecast from 6pm today to 6pm tomorrow provides further details by region.
Weather forecast
In northern Thailand, expect cool, foggy mornings and hot afternoons, with thunderstorms predicted for 20% of the area. Strong winds are likely, especially in provinces like Phrae, Nan, and Uttaradit, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 36°C and 9 to 16°C in the highlands. Winds from the south will reach 5 to 15 kilometres per hour.
Northeast Thailand will experience cool mornings and thunderstorms in 10% of the area, particularly in Loei, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Buriram. Temperatures will range from 19 to 35°C, with cooler highland temperatures of 13 to 17°C. Winds will be easterly at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.
Central Thailand will see thunderstorms in 20% of the area, with strong winds in provinces like Saraburi and Ayutthaya, and temperatures ranging from 22 to 36°C. Winds will be southeasterly at 10 to 15 kilometres per hour.
Eastern Thailand anticipates thunderstorms in 20% of the area, with strong winds in Nakhon Nayok and Prachin Buri. Temperatures will range from 23 to 37°C, with sea waves under 1 metre, reaching over 2 metres in thunderstorms.
In southern Thailand’s eastern section, thunderstorms are forecast for 30% of the area, mainly in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon, with temperatures ranging from 21 to 35°C. Winds from Surat Thani northwards will be southeasterly at 15 to 30 kilometres per hour, with waves around 1 metre, exceeding 2 metres in thunderstorms.
Southern Thailand’s western section will see thunderstorms in 10% of the area, notably in Ranong and Phang Nga, with temperatures from 23 to 36°C. Easterly winds will reach 10 to 30 kilometres per hour, with waves under 1 metre, increasing to 2 metres in thunderstorms.
Bangkok and its vicinity can expect thunderstorms in 30% of the area, with strong winds and temperatures between 25 and 36°C. Southerly winds will reach 10 to 15 kilometres per hour.
The forecast for February 19 to February 25 anticipates changing weather conditions, advising residents to safeguard their health and farmers to protect crops. From February 22 to February 25, upper Thailand may experience thunderstorms, strong winds, and lightning. Residents should avoid open spaces, large trees, unstable structures, and billboards, reported KhaoSod.
In the south, residents should be wary of heavy rain and accumulation. Sailors in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea should exercise caution and avoid thunderstorm areas. Small boats in the lower Gulf should refrain from leaving the shore during this period.
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