Thailand braces for heatwave and storm surge across 12 provinces

Heat and storms take centre stage in Thailand as the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issues a weather warning for today. High temperatures and scattered thunderstorms are expected to affect at least 12 provinces, with a 20% chance of heavy rainfall in some areas, including Bangkok. Additionally, the south faces high waves today, March 14, as easterly and southeasterly winds prevail over the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.

Today’s weather forecast from the TMD indicates a low-pressure area caused by intense heat covering upper Thailand. This condition brings scorching weather and scattered clouds during the day across the mentioned region. While the heat persists, southerly and southeasterly winds are bringing moisture from the Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea to the northeastern and eastern parts of the country. This influx of moisture is expected to result in thunderstorms in some areas.

The public is advised to take care of their health due to the hot weather conditions. Over the next seven days, forecasts predict continued heatwaves interspersed with severe storms, hail, and strong winds. The easterly and southeasterly winds are also responsible for covering the Gulf of Thailand, the southern region, and the Andaman Sea, leading to thunderstorms in some southern areas. However, the wind strength over the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea is weak, with waves averaging around 1 metre high but increasing to over 1 metre in storm-affected areas.

During this period, the northern, northeastern, and upper central regions of Thailand are experiencing moderate to high levels of dust and smoke accumulation due to weak winds and poor air circulation. The weather forecast for Thailand from 6am today to 6am tomorrow predicts hot weather with scattered clouds during the day for the northern region, with minimum temperatures ranging from 17 to 24 degrees Celsius and maximum temperatures hitting 37 to 39 degrees Celsius. Winds from the southwest are expected to move at speeds of 5 to 15 kilometres per hour.

The northeastern region is also bracing for hot weather with scattered clouds and a 20% chance of thunderstorms, particularly in the provinces of Kalasin, Mukdahan, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani. Minimum temperatures in this region are projected to be 23 to 25 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures reaching 37 to 38 degrees Celsius, accompanied by southerly winds travelling at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.

For the central region, hot weather with scattered clouds is anticipated during the day, with temperatures ranging from 23 to 26 degrees Celsius at their lowest and peaking at 37 to 39 degrees Celsius. Southwest winds are forecast to move at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour. The eastern region expects a 10% chance of thunderstorms, particularly in Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Rayong, and Chanthaburi, with minimum temperatures of 24 to 27 degrees Celsius and maximum temperatures of 33 to 36 degrees Celsius. Southeast winds may reach speeds of 15 to 30 kilometres per hour, with sea waves averaging around 1 metre high but increasing beyond 1 metre in storm-prone areas.

Temperature rises

The southern region (east coast) is likely to experience hot daytime weather with sporadic light rain, with minimum temperatures of 22 to 24 degrees Celsius and maximum temperatures of 34 to 38 degrees Celsius. Southeast winds are predicted to travel at 15 to 30 kilometres per hour, with sea waves around 1 metre high and exceeding 1 metre during thunderstorms.

The west coast of the south also anticipates hot daytime weather with some light rain, with temperatures varying from 23 to 25 degrees Celsius at the lowest and reaching 35 to 38 degrees Celsius at the highest. East winds are expected to move at 15 to 30 kilometres per hour, with similar sea conditions to the east coast, reported KhaoSod.

Bangkok and its vicinity can expect hot weather with scattered clouds and a 10% chance of thunderstorms, with minimum temperatures of 25 to 28 degrees Celsius and maximum temperatures of 34 to 37 degrees Celsius. Southerly winds are forecast at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.

Today, the TMD warns of hot weather accompanied by scattered clouds and thunderstorms in 12 provinces, including Bangkok, where heavy rains are predicted to affect 20% of the area.