Summer storms set to rock Thailand with thunder, wind, and hail

Severe summer storms, characterised by thunderstorms, strong winds, and in some cases hail, have been forecasted to hit several provinces across Thailand. The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued its 13th announcement on the matter, alerting residents in affected areas to take precautions against the unpredictable and dangerous weather conditions expected today, May 7.

The announcement outlines that the upper parts of Thailand are experiencing exceptionally hot to scorching weather conditions, creating an environment conducive to the development of summer storms. These storms are likely to bring torrential rains, gusty winds, and even hail in some regions, accompanied by the potential for lightning strikes.

Residents have been advised to avoid open spaces and stay clear of large trees, weak structures, and billboards that could be compromised by the storm. Farmers, in particular, have been urged to prepare for the storms, as they pose a risk to agricultural produce and livestock.

From tomorrow, May 8 to May 10, the southeast winds and southerly winds are expected to continue covering the upper part of the country, maintaining the likelihood of thunderstorms and gusty winds, with heavy rainfall anticipated in some areas. The provinces predicted to be impacted today, are as follows:

In the northern region: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun.

In the northeastern region: Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani.

In the central region: Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Lopburi, Saraburi, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Suphanburi, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Songkhram, including Bangkok and its vicinity.

In the eastern region: Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat.

Citizens are encouraged to keep abreast of updates from the TMD and can access information through the department’s website or its 24-hour hotline numbers.

The announcement, made at 5am today, further states that the TMD will issue a follow-up announcement later the same day at 5pm. This forecast serves as a critical warning for residents in the affected provinces to take precautionary measures and stay informed about the evolving weather conditions.