Bitterly cold weather persists in Thailand with heavy monsoons
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather alert for 10 provinces, warning of heavy monsoons affecting 30% of the area. Northern Thailand is experiencing another cold front, leading to further temperature drops.
A high-pressure system or cold air mass from China has descended over upper Thailand and the South China Sea, causing temperatures to fall. The northern and northeastern regions are facing cool to cold weather. Meanwhile, Central Thailand, including Bangkok and its surrounding areas, the eastern region, and the upper southern region are experiencing cool mornings.
Mountain tops are expected to experience cold to very cold conditions, with some frost. Hilltops will also be chilly. People in upper Thailand and the upper southern region are advised to safeguard their health due to the cold weather and to be cautious of possible fires caused by dry conditions and strong winds.
The northeastern monsoon covering the Gulf of Thailand, the southern region, and the Andaman Sea is strengthening. As a result, the southern region is likely to see increased rainfall, primarily in the lower areas. Residents in these areas should be wary of thunderstorms and accumulated rainfall.
Stronger winds are expected in the Gulf of Thailand, with waves in the lower Gulf reaching about 2 metres in height, and 1 to 2 metres in the upper Gulf. In areas experiencing thunderstorms, waves could exceed 2 metres. Mariners are advised to navigate with caution and avoid areas with thunderstorms.
“The dust and haze situation in upper Thailand is currently moderate to high. However, it is expected to decrease due to favourable air circulation and strong prevailing winds.”
Weather forecast
The northern region will see cool to cold mornings with a slight drop in temperature. The lowest temperatures range from 13 to 18 degrees Celsius (°C) and the highest from 28 to 32°C. Mountain tops will be cold to very cold, with some frost expected. Temperatures on mountain tops range from 4 to 10°C. Northeastern winds blow at speeds of 5 to 15 kilometres per hour (km/h).
The northeastern region will experience cool to cold conditions with a slight temperature decrease. Minimum temperatures are between 11 and 18°C, with maximum temperatures from 28 to 30°C. Hilltops will be cold, with temperatures ranging from 8 to 12°C. Northeastern winds blow at speeds of 10 to 25 km/h.
The central region will see cool mornings with a slight temperature drop. The lowest temperatures range from 17 to 20°C and the highest from 30 to 32°C. Northeastern winds blow at speeds of 10 to 20 km/h.
The eastern region will have cool mornings with a slight temperature decrease. The minimum temperatures range from 19 to 22°C, and the maximum from 31 to 33°C. Northeastern winds blow at speeds of 15 to 30 km/h. Sea waves are about 1 metre high, exceeding 1 metre offshore.
The southern region (east coast) will experience cool mornings with thunderstorms affecting 30% of the area, mostly in Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Minimum temperatures range from 21 to 24°C, with maximum temperatures from 30 to 32°C. Northeastern winds, from Nakhon Si Thammarat upwards, blow at speeds of 15 to 35 km/h, with sea waves of 1 to 2 metres, exceeding 2 metres in thunderstorm areas. From Songkhla downwards, winds blow at speeds of 20 to 35 km/h, with waves about 2 metres high, exceeding 2 metres in thunderstorm areas.
The southern region (west coast) will see cool mornings with thunderstorms affecting 20% of the area, primarily in Krabi, Trang, and Satun. Minimum temperatures range from 22 to 24°C, and the highest from 32 to 34°C. Northeastern winds blow at speeds of 15 to 30 km/h. Sea waves are about 1 metre high, exceeding 1 metre offshore, and more than 2 metres in thunderstorm areas.
Bangkok and its surrounding areas will experience cool mornings with a slight temperature decrease. Minimum temperatures range from 20 to 22°C, with maximum temperatures from 31 to 33°C. Northeastern winds blow at speeds of 10 to 20 km/h.
The TMD warns residents in the 10 provinces to remain cautious amid the impending monsoon conditions, reported KhaoSod.
