Thailand braces for summer storms during Songkran festival
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) has warned about summer storms during the Songkran festival. Thunderstorms, strong winds, and potential hail are expected, especially in the upper northeastern and northern regions. From April 10 to 12, increased rainfall is anticipated in the South.
Yesterday, April 10, Suchada Sang Thaensap, the secretary to the Minister of the MHESI, attended a meeting titled Preparation for Disaster and Flood Management with Dr Royboon Ratsamite, Director of the Hydro-Informatics Institute, and representatives from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). This meeting was held under the policy of Minister Supamas Issaraphakdi.
During the meeting, the Hydro-Informatics Institute reported that from April 10 to 12, the influence of western and southwesterly winds will result in increased rainfall in the South, with heavy rain expected in some areas. The provinces likely affected include Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, Satun, Chumphon, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Between April 11 and 14, upper Thailand is advised to brace for summer storms, with thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible hail, particularly in the northeastern provinces of Loei, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Chaiyaphum, and Nakhon Ratchasima.
In the northern region, the provinces of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Lampang, and Phayao are on alert.
Suchada further stated that reports indicate that in May, there is a likelihood of heavy rainfall exceeding 300 millimetres in total for the month in the lower northern, upper northeastern, eastern, and western southern regions, affecting 22 provinces.
These include Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Phanom, Bueng Kan, Nong Khai, Mukdahan, Sakon Nakhon, Sing Buri, Chai Nat, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chanthaburi, Trat, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Ranong, Phang Nga, and Phuket. Residents in these areas are advised to prepare accordingly, reported KhaoSod.
“During the Songkran festival and into May, which includes several consecutive holidays, many people may plan to travel or vacation with their families.
“Understanding water situation forecasts during these periods will help everyone plan their travels safely. Know the weather conditions before setting out to ensure a confident and secure trip.
“Real-time water situation updates are available at the National Hydroinformatics Data Centre website or via the ThaiWater application, provided by the Hydro-Informatics Institute, around the clock.”
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