Severe weather warning for 34 Thai provinces

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) today issued a severe weather warning for 34 provinces, including Bangkok, alerting residents to the possibility of thunderstorms and strong gusty winds. Amidst the sweltering heat peaking at a high of 42 degrees Celsius at 6am today, April 19, the country’s upper regions are covered by a low-pressure area caused by intense heat.

Residents are advised to take precautions to protect their health from the extreme heat by avoiding prolonged outdoor activities. Moisture-laden winds from the Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea are expected to bring rainfall to the lower northeastern, lower central, and eastern regions of the country. Additionally, the southwestern and southern winds are covering the upper northeastern region, bringing similar conditions.

The warning includes the possibility of isolated thunderstorms and strong winds. People in the affected regions should be vigilant against the hazards posed by these weather conditions. The southeastern winds are sweeping across the Gulf of Thailand and the southern region, while the northwesterly winds are over the Andaman Sea.

A low-pressure area over Malaysia is causing increased rainfall in the lower southern region, with some areas expected to experience heavy downpours.

In the northern, northeastern, and upper central regions, dust and smoke particles are accumulating at moderate to relatively high levels due to weak winds and poor air circulation. The forecast from today at 6am to 6am tomorrow predicts hot to very hot weather in the north, with isolated thunderstorms expected in 10% of the area, particularly in the provinces of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Tak, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun.

Minimum temperatures are expected to range from 23-29 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures of 38-42 degrees Celsius and southwesterly winds travelling at 5-15 kilometres per hour.

Hot conditions

Similar hot conditions are expected in the northeastern region, with thunderstorms forecasted for 10% of the area, mainly affecting the provinces of Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, and Nakhon Ratchasima. Minimum temperatures in this region are likely to be between 24-28 degrees Celsius and maximum temperatures between 39-41 degrees Celsius, with southwesterly winds at speeds of 5-15 km/h.

The central region will also experience hot to very hot weather, with thunderstorms expected in 10% of the area, especially in Lopburi, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. Temperatures are predicted to be between 26-29 degrees Celsius at the lowest and 38-42 degrees Celsius at the highest, with southern winds at 10-20 km/h.

In the eastern provinces, including Nakhon Nayok, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat, the weather is generally hot with isolated thunderstorms expected in 10% of the area. Minimum temperatures are forecasted to be between 26-29 degrees Celsius, with highs of 34-40 degrees Celsius.

Southern winds will be travelling at 10-30 km/h, with waves in the sea expected to be less than 1 metre high, except in thunderstorm areas where they could exceed this height.

The southern region’s east coast is hot during the day and very hot in some areas, with thunderstorms expected in 20% of the area, particularly in Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. The lowest temperatures will range from 23-28 degrees Celsius, with highs between 33-40 degrees Celsius. Southeastern winds at 10-30 km/h will keep the sea relatively calm, with waves under 1 metre, except where thunderstorms occur.

On the southern west coast, the weather is hot with thunderstorms expected in 10% of the area, mainly affecting Ranong, Trang, and Satun. Minimum temperatures are set to be between 25-27 degrees Celsius, with maximums of 35-38 degrees Celsius. Northwestern winds at 10-30 km/h will ensure sea waves remain below 1 metre.

In Bangkok and its vicinity, the weather is generally hot with isolated thunderstorms in 10% of the area. Minimum temperatures are expected to be between 28-29 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures reaching 36-41 degrees Celsius. Southern winds travelling at 10-25 km/h will be prevalent.

Public health advisories suggest staying hydrated and avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. The TMD continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as necessary.