Severe summer storm to hit Thailand with hail and strong winds

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a severe weather alert for the upcoming summer storm, set to impact various provinces with heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and potential hail on March 19-20, following a drop in temperature today, March 18.

The summer storm, initially striking in the upper part of Thailand, is a result of a moderate high-pressure system from China extending over the region and the South China Sea. Concurrently, temperatures in the upper parts of the country are expected to rise significantly, creating conditions ripe for thunderstorms, strong gusty winds, and in some areas, hail. Lightning strikes are also a potential hazard in certain localities. Following the storm, a noticeable temperature decrease is forecasted.

This weather pattern poses a variety of risks. The public in the affected areas is advised to be vigilant and take precautions such as avoiding open spaces, sheltering away from large trees, weak structures, and billboards, and maintaining good health due to the changing weather conditions.

Farmers are particularly urged to prepare for the storm, which could damage crops and livestock.

The provinces expected to be impacted on March 19 include: Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, Phichit, and Phetchabun in the Northern region; Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, and Surin in the Northeastern region; Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Lopburi, Saraburi, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Songkhram in the Central region, including Bangkok and its vicinity; and Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat in the Eastern region.

On March 20, the Northern provinces of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Tak will be affected.

In the central region, the provinces include Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Kanchanaburi, Suphan Buri, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Songkhram, while the Southern provinces of Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan are also on the list.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed by monitoring updates from the TMD and visiting their website at http://www.tmd.go.th or calling 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182 for around-the-clock information. The department, which issued the alert on March 18 at 5am, plans to release further announcements later in the day at 5 pm, reported KhoaSod.

The alert comes as an important reminder for the population to prepare and stay safe during this turbulent weather period.