Freezing cold: TMD warns as temperatures dip across Thailand
Cold weather is set to sweep across Thailand, with the Meteorological Department (TMD) warning of another wave of chilly air descending from China. Temperatures are predicted to drop by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius (°C), with Bangkok experiencing lows of 20°C and frost expected in mountainous areas.
The TMD forecasts that the high-pressure system or moderate cool air mass from China has already spread across northern Vietnam and is anticipated to reach northern Thailand today. This will lead to a further drop in temperatures by 1 or 2°C in the northern and northeastern regions, bringing cool to cold conditions in the mornings. The central region, including Bangkok and its surrounding areas, along with the eastern and upper southern regions, will also experience cooler mornings.
In the mountainous areas, the weather will be cold to very cold, with some places potentially seeing frost. The mountain tops will be particularly chilly. Residents in the upper parts of Thailand and the upper southern regions are advised to take care of their health due to the cold weather and to be cautious of potential fire hazards due to the dry air. Additionally, caution is advised when travelling in areas where fog is present.
The northeast monsoon continues to cover the Gulf of Thailand, the southern region, and the Andaman Sea, leading to light rain in some parts of the lower southern region. The wind and wave conditions in the Gulf of Thailand are moderate, with waves reaching 1 to 2 metres in height, and waves over 2 metres in areas experiencing thunderstorms. Mariners in these areas are advised to navigate carefully and avoid areas with thunderstorms.
Dust accumulation remains a concern in the upper parts of Thailand, where levels are moderate to high. This is attributed to poor to moderate ventilation rates and weak winds covering the region.
Weather forecast
The weather forecast for Thailand from 6am today to 6am tomorrow indicates that the northern region will experience cool to cold mornings with temperatures dropping by 1 or 2°C. The lowest temperatures will range from 13 to 16°C, while the highest will be between 28 and 33°C. The mountain areas will be cold to very cold, with minimum temperatures between 4 and 10°C and east winds blowing at speeds of 5 to 15 kilometres per hour (km/h).
In the northeastern region, cool to cold mornings are expected with a similar 1 to 2°C in temperature. The minimum temperatures will range from 12 to 18°C, with a maximum of 30 to 32°C. The mountain tops will be cold, with minimum temperatures between 8 and 14°C, and northeast winds blowing at speeds of 10 to 25km/h.
The central region will experience cool mornings, with temperatures dropping by 1 or 2°C. Minimum temperatures are expected to be between 18 and 20°C, with a maximum of 31 to 33°C. The northeast winds will blow at speeds of 10 to 20km/h.
In the eastern region, cool mornings are predicted, with a similar temperature drop. Minimum temperatures will range between 18 and 23°C, and maximum temperatures will be between 32 and 34°C. Northeast winds are expected at speeds of 15 to 30km/h, with sea waves under 1 metre and waves about 1 metre high offshore.
In the upper part of the southern region (east coast), cool mornings are expected with a 10% chance of rain, primarily in the lower parts. Minimum temperatures will range from 20 to 23°C, with maximum temperatures between 32 and 33°C. Northeast winds will blow at speeds of 15 to 35km/h, with sea waves reaching 1 to 2 metres and waves exceeding 2 metres in thunderstorm areas.
On the west coast of the southern region, cool mornings with light rain in some parts of the lower region are expected. Minimum temperatures will range from 22 to 25°C, with maximum temperatures between 32 and 34°C. Northeast winds will blow at speeds of 15 to 30km/h, with sea waves under 1 metre and waves about 1 metre high offshore.
In Bangkok and its vicinity, cool mornings are predicted, with temperatures dropping by 1 to 2°C. The minimum temperature will be between 20 and 22°C, with a maximum of 32 to 34°C. Northeast winds are expected at speeds of 10 to 20km/h.
The TMD has advised all to brace for the cold wave, as temperatures continue to fall, urging precautions against potential health impacts and traffic hazards due to fog, reported KhaoSod.
