Thailand braces for colder weather, strong winds, and heavy rain

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts a significant weather change with colder temperatures, strong winds, and heavy rain expected in the coming days. Specific regions, especially in the south, should prepare for severe weather conditions, and residents are advised to take health precautions.
Yesterday, March 20, a high-pressure system from China affected the upper regions of Thailand and the South China Sea, leading to cooler weather and strong winds.
The eastern and southeastern winds over the Gulf of Thailand, the south, and the Andaman Sea are strengthening, resulting in increased rainfall and heavy precipitation in some areas.
In particular, the lower Gulf of Thailand is experiencing waves 2-3 metres high, potentially exceeding 3 metres during thunderstorms. The upper Gulf and the Andaman Sea face waves 1-2 metres high, with higher waves during storms.
Bangkok will see strong winds and a drop in temperature, while the southern region continues to experience rain. Residents in the south should be cautious of the heavy rain, and sailors should avoid venturing into stormy waters.
Small boats in the lower Gulf and off the Andaman coast should remain docked until today, March 21. Meanwhile, the accumulation of dust and smoke remains moderate in upper Thailand due to the northeastern winds.
Weather forecast
Cold morning temperatures are expected in the north with strong winds, ranging from 18-24°C, while the maximum temperature will be 30-36°C. In the northeast, the morning will be cold to cool, with temperatures between 15 and 19°C, rising to 29-31°C, accompanied by strong winds.
The central region will experience partly cloudy skies with strong winds, a minimum temperature of 22-24°C, and a maximum of 33-35°C. The east will have similar conditions, with sea waves reaching up to 1 metre and higher offshore.

In the south (east coast), thunderstorms will cover 30% of the area, with heavy rain expected in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, and Narathiwat. Temperatures will range from a low of 23-27°C to a high of 32-34°C. Wind speeds will vary from 15-40 km/h, with waves reaching up to 3 metres during storms.
On the west coast of the south, thunderstorms will cover 20% of the area, with Krabi, Trang, and Satun primarily affected. The minimum temperature will be 23-25°C, while the maximum will be 34-35°C, with winds at 15-35 km/h and waves up to 2 metres high offshore.
The upcoming week, from March 21-26, will see the weakening of the high-pressure system, resulting in rising temperatures and hot weather during the day in upper Thailand, with particularly high temperatures in some areas. Rain and thunderstorms are expected in northern Thailand, with the west wind bringing occasional gusts.
The eastern and southeastern winds over the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea will weaken, decreasing rain in the south but thunderstorms and heavy rain will continue in the lower areas. Waves in the lower Gulf will remain around 2 metres high, decreasing in the upper Gulf and Andaman Sea, reported KhaoSod.
Residents should remain vigilant to the changing weather conditions, especially from March 24 to 26, when hot to very hot weather is expected. It is advisable to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure during this period.