Icy blast from China set to leave Thailand shivering
Thailand is set to shiver as a fresh surge of cold air sweeps down from China, bringing a biting chill and blustery winds across the nation. The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) sounded the alarm for plummeting temperatures with strong gusts and heavy rain expected to drench six provinces in the south.
Brace yourselves, the north and northeast are in for a proper chill. A cold air mass extending from China is blanketing the upper northeastern region and barreling its way further south.
As this cold front sweeps in, temperatures are taking a nosedive, especially in the northeastern parts, while the north is bracing for near-Arctic morning fog. Mountainous regions are in for a frosty spell, with mercury levels expected to hover perilously close to freezing.
Despite the cold’s icy grip, Bangkok and the central provinces will only have to contend with a brisk morning breeze, while the eastern and upper southern areas prepare for cool early starts.
Weather officials have urged residents, especially in upper Thailand, to wrap up warm and keep an eye out for fire hazards as bone-dry conditions prevail. Travellers navigating fog-laden routes are advised to tread carefully.
The forecast isn’t just bringing chills but also potential thrills, and not the good kind. From today, January 10 to January 13, a strong northeastern monsoon is whipping up in the Gulf of Thailand, southern regions, and the Andaman Sea, prompting warnings of flash floods in 70 provinces.
For seafarers, it’s time to batten down the hatches. The Gulf is set to rock and roll with waves reaching up to 4 metres and beyond in stormy patches. The Andaman isn’t being left out, either, with waves gearing up for a 2-3 metre ride offshore and over 3 metres in tempestuous conditions. Mariners are urged to steer clear of any brewing storms.
Meanwhile, the air up north is feeling the pressure from stagnant dust levels due to poor air circulation. Residents are advised to stay indoors when possible, particularly those with respiratory issues.
Here’s what to expect from the metropolis and beyond: The north will be seeing temperatures ranging from a teeth-chattering 15 to 21 degrees Celsius, with mountain tops seeing almost wintry drops to between 5 and 11 degrees. In comparison, the northeast will face strong winds, with temperatures dipping by 1 to 3 degrees, offering lows between 14 and 18 degrees.
Central Thailand, including Bangkok’s bustling streets, will greet the day with a fresh breeze, with the thermometer reading between 20 and 22 degrees and reaching highs of 30 to 33 degrees. The east mirrors this forecast but with a touch of coastal chill, seeing wave heights modestly below a metre.
Down south, the eastern coastal provinces of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat will be battered with thunderstorms scudding through 20% of the area, while maintaining temperatures between 20 and 24 degrees. Meanwhile, drizzle threatens the western southern region, as the area anticipates some lightly scattered rain.
Keep your scarves at hand, and hats firmly on your heads: this week is going to be a wild ride as Thailand buckles up for an unseasonally nippy chapter in its tropical tale.
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