Severe weather alert for 36 Thai provinces amid heatwave

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) today issued a severe weather warning for 36 provinces, forecasting thunderstorms, strong winds, and potential hailstorms across the regions. This alert comes amid a period of intense heat enveloping the country, with scorching temperatures and sporadic thunderstorms expected throughout the day.

As of 6am, today, April 15, the low-pressure system caused by the prevailing heat has covered upper Thailand, leading to sweltering conditions and the risk of sudden thunderstorms. The public is advised to take precautions to protect their health from the extreme heat, including avoiding prolonged outdoor activities.

In the lower northeastern, central, and eastern regions, moisture-laden winds from the Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea have intensified the weather conditions. Combined with the westerly and southerly wind flows that cover the north, upper northeastern, and upper central areas, this has resulted in thunderstorms accompanied by strong gusts and possible hail in certain locations.

Citizens in these areas are cautioned to stay vigilant against the dangers posed by these severe weather conditions.

Additionally, the easterly and southeasterly winds have enveloped the Gulf of Thailand, the southern region, and the Andaman Sea, leading to scattered thunderstorms in the south. Meanwhile, dust particles and smoke haze have reached moderate to quite high levels in the north, upper northeastern, and upper central parts of the country due to weak wind flows and poor air circulation in these areas.

Regional Insights

For the next 24-hour forecast starting today at 6am, the northern region is expected to experience hot to very hot weather, with isolated thundershowers affecting 30% of the area, particularly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Tak, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun provinces. The lowest temperatures will range from 20 to 27 degrees Celsius, with highs between 35 to 42 degrees Celsius, and southwesterly winds travelling at 5–15 km/h.

The northeastern region is also set for hot to very hot conditions, with 20% of its area likely to have thunderstorms, strong winds, and potential hail, especially in Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, and Nakhon Ratchasima. Temperatures will fall between 24 to 28 degrees Celsius at their lowest and reach highs of 38 to 41 degrees Celsius.

The central region will similarly endure hot to very hot weather with a 20% chance of thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail, mainly affecting Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Lopburi, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. The lowest temperatures will be 26 to 28 degrees Celsius, with highs of 39 to 41 degrees Celsius.

In the eastern region, general hot weather is forecasted, with occasional severe heat and a 10% chance of thunderstorms in Nakhon Nayok, Chon Buri, Chanthaburi, and Trat. The mercury will dip to 26 to 29 degrees Celsius at its lowest and climb to highs of 35 to 40 degrees Celsius.

For the southern region on the east coast, daytime heat will be accompanied by very hot spells in some areas and a 10% likelihood of thunderstorms in Phetchaburi, Pattalung, Songkhla, Yala, and Narathiwat. Minimum temperatures will range from 23 to 28 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures hitting 33 to 40 degrees Celsius.

The west coast of the southern region will experience hot daytime weather with slight thunderstorms in some lower part areas. The lowest temperatures will be between 24 to 28 degrees Celsius, and the highs will range from 36 to 39 degrees Celsius.

Bangkok and its vicinity can expect generally hot weather, with some very hot areas and occasional thundershowers. Minimum temperatures in the capital will be between 28 to 30 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures reaching 35 to 40 degrees Celsius, reported Khaosod.