Northern Thailand braces for 44 degrees celcius heatwave
A heatwave accompanied by strong winds and hail is forecasted to hit northern Thailand starting tomorrow, with temperatures expected to soar to a sweltering 44 degrees Celsius, breaking records previously held by Mae Hong Son province in 2016 and Tak province last year.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warned of extreme weather conditions due to a low-pressure area caused by an intense heatwave covering northern Thailand.
The impending weather system prompted an alert for residents to take precautions against the heat, which is expected to be generally hot to very hot across the country with partly cloudy skies during the day. Citizens are advised to avoid prolonged outdoor activities.
Meanwhile, the southwestern and southern winds covering upper Thailand could bring thunderstorms and gusty winds to some areas, raising concerns about potential dangers associated with these conditions.
For the Andaman Sea and the lower South, northwesterly winds, coupled with easterly winds over the lower Gulf of Thailand, are expected to bring thunderstorms to some areas. Sea conditions in the Andaman Sea will likely have waves around 1 metre high, but in thunderstorm areas, waves could exceed 1 metre, warranting caution for mariners.
Between April 24 and 25, westerly wind flows from Myanmar and upper Laos are projected to pass through the northern region. Combined with the southwest and southern wind flow covering the upper parts of the country, this could lead to summer storms in certain areas, characterised by thunderstorms, strong winds, and occasional hail, as well as possible lightning strikes.
Thunderstorms
Dust particles and smoke haze are expected to accumulate in the north, northeast, and central regions to moderate to quite high levels due to the weak winds covering these areas and poor air circulation. Weather forecasts from 6am today to 6am tomorrow indicate hot to very hot conditions in the north, with a 10% chance of thunderstorms and gusty winds in some areas, particularly in the provinces of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, and Phetchabun.
In the northeast, very hot conditions are also expected, with a 10% chance of thunderstorms in some areas, mostly in Loei, Chaiyaphum, and Nakhon Ratchasima. The central region, east, and the eastern shore of the south will experience similar conditions, with varying chances of thunderstorms and strong winds. The western shore of the south is forecasted to have a 30% chance of thunderstorms.
Bangkok and the surrounding area will generally be hot with partly cloudy skies during the day, with a 10% chance of thunderstorms, reported KhaoSod.
As the country braces for the summer storm, citizens are urged to stay updated on weather developments and take all necessary measures to ensure their safety and health during this period of extreme weather.
