Chill factor: Thailand braces for cold, frosty spell as mercury dips
Thailand is braced for a cold, frosty spell as temperatures plunge by an additional 1-2 degrees Celsius across the nation.
Frost dusts the peaks of high mountains while strong winds batter the seas, turning up the tumultuous weather conditions. As winter tightens its grip, the South sees relentless rainfall, adding to the weather woes.
Forecasts from the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) reveal an unyielding high-pressure system from China is behind the bone-chilling conditions, covering upper Thailand and the South China Sea.
The north, northeast, and central regions are experiencing the brunt, with weather ranging from cool to cold, and morning chill blanketing Bangkok and its environs.
Mountain tops and highlands offer no respite, as the weather ranges from cold to very cold, with frost forming in some parts. Thai residents are urged to brace against the cold and stay alert to fire hazards fuelled by dry conditions and gusty winds.
Meanwhile, the fierce northeast monsoon stirs up the Gulf of Thailand, the South, and the Andaman Sea, unleashing heavy rainfall in some southern areas. The balmy waves turn boisterous in thunderstorms, threatening seas with swells that soar to 3 metres.
Mariners need to navigate with care and avoid stormy waters, as small boats in the Gulf and Andaman are advised to dock until tomorrow, January 18.
The chilly conditions allow for the accumulation of dust particles, with ventilation described as “moderate.” Some upper regions may see dust concentration rise as winds weaken.
Weather forecast breakdown (6am today – 6am tomorrow):
Northern region: Cold upper areas with morning mist; lower areas remain cool to cold. Temperatures drop by 1-2°C, lows of 9-17°C, highs of 26-31°C. Peaks chill at 2-8°C. Winds from the northeast at 10-20 km/h.
Northeastern region: Cool to cold with brisk winds. Temperatures drop by 1-2°C, lows of 9-16°C, highs of 26-30°C. Peaks slump to 4-10°C. Northeast winds at 10-25 km/h.
Central region: Morning chills deepen by 1-2°C with lows at 15-20°C, highs at 29-32°C. Northeast winds at 10-20 km/h.
Eastern region: Cool mornings, strong winds, temperature drops of 1-2°C. Lows at 16-21°C, highs at 31-33°C. Northeast winds 20-40 km/h; offshore waves reach 1-2 metres, up to 3 metres anew.
Southern region (East Coast): Cool mornings, strong winds, drop of 1-2°C. Thunderstorms whip through 30% of the area, with heavy rains in specific provinces. Lows at 19-25°C, highs at 28-31°C. Northeast winds 20-40 km/h, waves 2-3 metres, over 3 in storms.
Southern region (West Coast): Storms rumble in 20% of the area. Lows hover at 22-24°C, highs reach 30-32°C. Northeast winds 20-40 km/h, with waves offshore about 1-2 metres, up to 3 in rough weather.
Bangkok and surroundings: Cool mornings, temperatures decline by 1-2°C. Lows dip to 17-20°C, highs at 31-33°C. Northeast breezes at 10-20 km/h.
With temperatures dwindling and storms afoot, it’s time for Thailand to wrap up warm and ride out this wintry spell.
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