Temperatures drop as cold air mass covers Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its first warning of a cold air mass that will result in significant temperature drops across upper Thailand. The southern region should also brace for heavy rainfall due to a monsoon. The notice outlines the impact from January 26 to 28.
A new surge of high pressure or a cold air mass from China is expected to blanket upper Thailand and the South China Sea. This will lead to a drop in temperatures accompanied by strong winds, particularly in the northeastern region, where temperatures are expected to decrease by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius (°C). The northern, central, eastern regions, including Bangkok and surrounding areas, will see temperatures fall by 2 to 4°C.
Residents in these areas are advised to take precautions for their health due to the colder weather and to be wary of potential fire hazards due to dry conditions and strong winds. The northeastern monsoon covering the Gulf of Thailand and the southern region is gaining strength, leading to increased rainfall with some areas experiencing heavy rain. Additionally, waves in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea are expected to grow stronger.
In the lower Gulf of Thailand, waves may reach 2 to 3 metres, and in areas with thunderstorms, waves could exceed 3 metres. The upper Gulf of Thailand will experience waves around 2 metres high, while the Andaman Sea will face waves of 1 to 2 metres, with higher surges in stormy areas. Residents on the east coast of the southern region should be vigilant of heavy rain and incoming waves. Mariners in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea are advised to navigate cautiously and avoid areas with thunderstorms. Small boats in the Gulf of Thailand should remain ashore on January 27 and 28.
Weather forecast
The weather forecast indicates cool to cold conditions with morning fog in the north, where temperatures range from 13 to 18°C, with highs of 33 to 35°C. Mountain areas may see temperatures as low as 5 to 15°C with some frost. The northeast will see similar conditions with slight temperature increases, while central and eastern regions will also be cool with fog, expecting temperatures between 16 to 19°C and highs of 33 to 35°C.
In eastern Thailand, the sea will have waves less than 1 metre high, but waves may reach 1 metre offshore. The upper southern region will be cool with morning fog, while the lower south will face thunderstorms affecting 10% of the area, particularly in Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. The forecast predicts temperatures from 17 to 25°C with highs of 29 to 33°C. Winds vary from 15 to 35 kilometres per hour (km/h) in southern regions, with waves reaching 1 to 2 metres in thunderstorm areas, reported KhaoSod.
Western southern Thailand will have cloudy skies with light rain, temperatures between 23 and 25°C and highs of 32 to 33°C, with sea waves less than 1 metre. Bangkok and nearby provinces will experience cool mornings with fog and slightly rising temperatures, ranging from 20 to 21°C to highs of 33 to 35°C, with easterly winds at 10 to 15km/h.
The public is encouraged to keep updated with announcements from the TMD through their website or by contacting the department directly at 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182, available 24 hours a day. The next announcement is scheduled for January 24 at 5pm.
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