Severe cold hits Thailand’s north as south braces for storms
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning of severe cold weather in the north and northeast, with frost expected on mountaintops. Meanwhile, eight provinces in the south are bracing for thunderstorms, as the country experiences varying weather patterns.
The high-pressure system or cold air mass, persists over the upper part of Thailand and the northern part of the south. This condition results in cold to very cold weather in the north and northeast, with morning fog.
The central region, including Bangkok and surrounding areas, the east, and the upper south, will experience cooler temperatures with light morning fog. In mountainous regions, the weather is expected to be very cold, with frost likely in some areas.
The eastern and southeastern winds are bringing moisture from the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, affecting the lower northeast and eastern regions. This situation leads to light rain in some areas.
The public is advised to take care of their health due to the changing weather conditions and to exercise caution when travelling through fog-prone areas. Farmers are also advised to prepare for potential damage to crops.
In the south, the northeastern monsoon covering the Gulf of Thailand and the south is moderate. The lower south will have less rain, while moderate winds are expected in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.
Weather forecast
The Gulf will see waves about 2 metres high, with the Andaman Sea having waves about 1 metre high, increasing to more than 1 metre offshore. Areas with thunderstorms could experience waves over 2 metres high. Sailors are advised to navigate carefully and avoid areas with thunderstorms.
A tropical storm named Pabuk in the lower South China Sea is expected to approach the eastern coast of Vietnam between December 25 and 26. The storm is anticipated to weaken into a low-pressure system subsequently, having no direct impact on Thailand’s weather. Those planning to travel to the affected areas should check the weather forecast before departure.
Air quality in the upper part of Thailand is expected to see a moderate to high accumulation of dust and smog due to light winds and poor ventilation. As of today, the weather forecast for Thailand from 6am today until 6am tomorrow is as follows:
In the north, the weather will be cold to very cold with morning fog. The minimum temperature is expected to be 13 to 17 degrees Celsius, and the maximum temperature will range from 27 to 32 degrees Celsius.
Mountain tops will experience very cold conditions with frost, with temperatures between 5 and 12 degrees Celsius. Northeastern winds will blow at speeds of 5 to 15 kilometres per hour.
In the northeast, temperatures are expected to be cool to cold with light morning fog, and temperatures may rise by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius. Light rain is expected in some areas, mainly in the lower parts.
The minimum temperature will be 12 to 18 degrees Celsius, and the maximum temperature will be 29 to 31 degrees Celsius. Mountain tops will be very cold, with temperatures between 7 and 11 degrees Celsius. Northeastern winds will blow at speeds of 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.
In the central region, the weather will be cool with light morning fog, and temperatures may rise by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature will be 19 to 22 degrees Celsius, and the maximum temperature will be 29 to 32 degrees Celsius. Northeastern winds will blow at speeds of 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.
In the east, the weather will be cool with light morning fog, and temperatures may rise by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius. Light rain is expected in some coastal areas.
The minimum temperature will be 19 to 24 degrees Celsius, with a maximum of 31 to 33 degrees Celsius. Northeastern winds will blow at 15 to 30 kilometres per hour, and the sea will have waves about 1 metre high, increasing to 1 to 2 metres offshore.
In the upper south (east coast), the weather will be cool in the morning, with thunderstorms covering 20% of the area, mainly in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. The minimum temperature will be 21 to 24 degrees Celsius, and the maximum will be 29 to 31 degrees Celsius.
Northeastern winds will blow at speeds of 20 to 35 kilometres per hour, and the sea will have waves about 2 metres high, with waves exceeding 2 metres in thunderstorm areas.
In the lower south (west coast), thunderstorms are expected in 10% of the area, mainly in Krabi, Trang, and Satun. The minimum temperature will be 22 to 24 degrees Celsius, and the maximum will be 32 to 33 degrees Celsius.
Northeastern winds will blow at speeds of 15 to 30 kilometres per hour, and the sea will have waves about 1 metre high, increasing to more than 1 metre offshore, with waves exceeding 2 metres in thunderstorm areas, reported KhaoSod.
In Bangkok and its surrounding areas, the weather will be cool with light morning fog, and temperatures may rise by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature will be 20 to 23 degrees Celsius, and the maximum temperature will be 30 to 32 degrees Celsius. Northeastern winds will blow at speeds of 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.
