Bangkok braces for temperature drop as cold wave hits
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) forecasts a significant new wave of cold air, causing temperatures to drop by up to 5 degrees Celsius (°C) in Bangkok, with strong winds expected.
The mountaintops are expected to experience severe cold, and southern Thailand will see thunderstorms from today, February 7.
In the next 24 hours, a high-pressure system or moderately strong cold air mass from China has spread over northern Vietnam and is anticipated to cover northeastern Thailand tonight. This will result in a temperature drop of 2 to 3°C in the northeast, accompanied by strong winds.
Other regions will continue to experience cool weather with morning fog, and temperatures will begin to drop further in the subsequent days. On the mountaintops, the weather will be cold to very cold, while highland areas will be cool to cold.
Residents in these regions are advised to take care of their health due to changing weather conditions and exercise caution when travelling through foggy areas.
A moderate easterly wind covers the lower Gulf of Thailand and the south, bringing light rain in some areas. Waves in the lower Gulf are moderate, with heights of 1 to 2 metres.
Cold air mass
Mariners in the lower Gulf are urged to navigate carefully. Between February 8 and 10, the high-pressure system or moderately strong cold air mass from China will extend over upper Thailand and the South China Sea.
This weather pattern will lead to further temperature drops and strong winds in the affected areas. The northeastern region will see a decrease in temperature of 3 to 5°C, while the north, central, Bangkok and its vicinity, eastern, and upper southern regions will experience a drop of 2 to 4°C.
The northeast monsoon prevailing over the Gulf of Thailand, the south, and the Andaman Sea will strengthen, causing isolated thunderstorms in the south. Waves will become stronger in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, with the lower Gulf experiencing waves of 2 to 3 metres, and over 3 metres in thunderstorm areas.
Mariners in the Gulf and Andaman Sea should proceed with caution and avoid areas with thunderstorms. Small boats in the Gulf should remain ashore during this period.
The current weather conditions may contribute to the accumulation of dust and haze in the northern, central, including Bangkok and its vicinity, and eastern regions. This accumulation is expected to remain stable or increase due to weak winds, reported KhaoSod.
Weather forecast
In the north, expect cool to cold weather with morning fog. The minimum temperature ranges from 15 to 21°C, while the maximum is between 33 and 36°C. On the mountaintops, it will be cold to very cold, with lows from 5 to 15°C. The southeast wind will reach speeds of 5 to 15 kilometres per hour (km/h).
In the northeast, expect cool to cold conditions in the morning with strong winds and a temperature drop of 2 to 3°C. The minimum temperature will be between 14 to 19°C, and the maximum will range from 32 to 35°C. Highland areas will be cool to cold, with lows of 12 to 18°C. The northeast wind will reach speeds of 10 to 30 km/h.
In the central region, expect cool weather with morning fog. The minimum temperature will be 21 to 24°C and the maximum will be 34 to 36°C. The southeast wind will reach speeds of 10 to 15 km/h.
In the east, expect cool weather with morning fog. The minimum temperature will be 20 to 25°C, and the maximum will be 33 to 36°C. The east wind will blow at speeds of 10 to 30 km/h. The sea will see waves less than 1 metre high, with waves about 1 metre high offshore.
In the southern region (east coast), expect cool weather with morning fog and light rain in some areas, mostly in the lower part of the region. The minimum temperature will be between 22 and 24°C, and the maximum will range from 32 to 34°C.
From Nakhon Si Thammarat upwards, the southeast wind will have speeds of 15 to 30 km/h, and the sea will see waves about 1 metre high. From Songkhla downwards, the east wind will reach speeds of 15 to 35 km/h, with waves 1 to 2 metres high.
Light rain
In the southern region (west coast), expect cool morning weather with light rain in some areas. The minimum temperature will be 22 to 25°C, and the maximum will be 33 to 36°C. The east wind will reach speeds of 15 to 30 km/h, with sea waves about 1 metre high, and higher than 1 metre offshore.
In Bangkok and its vicinity, expect morning fog. The minimum temperature will be 23 to 25°C, and the maximum will be 33 to 35°C. The southeast wind will blow at 10 to 15 km/h.
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