Thailand braces for summer storms in 62 provinces

Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its fifth summer storm warning, alerting residents across 62 provinces to brace for strong gales and hailstorms.

Advisories have been communicated for people to avoid open spaces, and seek shelter away from large trees during the storm’s expected passage from today, March 19, until tomorrow.

Kornrawee Sitthichivapak, TMD Director-General, announced that a moderate high-pressure area or a mass of cool air from China will extend over upper Thailand and the South China Sea. As a result, Thailand will experience summer storms characterized by thunderstorms, strong winds, and sporadic hail.

This early phase of summer storms is a precursor to a temperature drop, and residents are advised to prepare for the potential dangers.

The juxtaposition of hot to very hot weather in the upper regions of Thailand with the incoming cold air mass sets the stage for these summer storms, which may also include lightning strikes. The public has been urged to avoid staying out in the open, beneath large trees, and near unstable structures and billboards.

The changing weather conditions also call for heightened health precautions. Farmers, in particular, are advised to protect their crops and livestock from possible damage.

TMD warning

The forecasted impact includes the following provinces in the north: Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, Phichit, and Phetchabun.

Places affected in the northeast include 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, and Ubon Ratchathani.

In the central region places hit include Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chainat, Lopburi, Saraburi, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Songkhram, including Bangkok and its vicinity.

In the east, Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat will be affected

Tomorrow, additional areas expected to be affected in the north include Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Tak.

In the central region Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chainat, Kanchanaburi, Suphan Buri, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Songkhram, will be affected while in the south Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan will be hit

Residents are encouraged to stay informed by following updates from the TMD and accessing information on their website at http://www.tmd.go.th or through the 24-hour hotline numbers 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182. The announcement was made today at 5am.