Thailand braces for temperature drop and thunderstorms across 19 provinces

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) forecasts a fresh bout of cold wind resulting in a sharp 5 degrees Celsius drop in temperature. Accompanied by thunderstorms in 19 provinces, the TMD also warns of a storm wreaking havoc in the southern region.

In the next 24 hours, a relatively strong high-pressure system will gradually cover the northeast region and is expected to spread over the upper central and eastern regions today.

This weather pattern will cause the northeast to experience cool to cold weather with strong winds in the morning, and temperatures will drop by 3-5 degrees Celsius. Likewise, the central and eastern regions will experience cool weather in the morning with strong winds and temperatures will drop by 1-4 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, easterly winds and southeasterly winds cover the Upper Gulf, and lower central and eastern regions, resulting in thunderstorms in these areas. Citizens are urged to take care of their health due to the changing weather conditions.

The northeast monsoon which covers the Gulf of Thailand and the southern region will become stronger, causing increased rainfall and heavy rains in some parts of the southern region, particularly the lower south. The lower Gulf has waves about 2 metres high and in areas with thunderstorms, the waves can be more than 2 metres high. Boat operators in the lower Gulf are advised to avoid sailing in areas with thunderstorms.

There is a slight to moderate accumulation of dust/smoke particles in the upper part of Thailand due to the strengthening of the wind.

Cool Weather

In the northern region: Cool to cold weather with fog in the morning. Lowest temperature 13-19 degrees Celsius, highest temperature 30-35 degrees Celsius. Mountain tops are cold to very cold, with the lowest temperature 5-14 degrees Celsius. Easterly winds, speed 10-15km/h.

In the northeastern region: Cool to cold weather in the morning with strong winds and a temperature drop of 3-5 degrees Celsius. Some areas will experience light rain. Lowest temperature 14-19 degrees Celsius, highest temperature 27-31 degrees Celsius. Mountain tops are cold to very cold, with the lowest temperature of 6-12 degrees Celsius. Easterly to Northeasterly winds, speed 15-30km/h.

In the central region: Cool weather in the morning with strong winds and a temperature drop of 1-3 degrees Celsius. Thunderstorms cover 20% of the area, especially in Lopburi, Saraburi, and Ayutthaya provinces. Lowest temperature 19-22 degrees Celsius, highest temperature 31-33 degrees Celsius. Easterly winds, speed 10-25km/h.

In the eastern region: Cool weather in the morning with strong winds and a temperature drop of 2-4 degrees Celsius. Thunderstorms cover 20% of the area, especially in Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat provinces. Lowest temperature 21-25 degrees Celsius, highest temperature 30-32 degrees Celsius, southeastern winds, speed 10-30km/h. Sea waves less than 1 metre, off-shore and areas with thunderstorms about 1 metre.

In the south (east coast): Thunderstorms cover 30% of the area and heavy rainfall in some areas, especially in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pattalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces. Lowest temperature 21-24 degrees Celsius, highest temperature 28-34 degrees Celsius. Easterly winds, speed 15-30km/h. Sea waves are about 1 metre, and areas with thunderstorms are more than 1 metre. From Nakhon Si Thammarat downwards, Easterly winds, speed 20-35km/h. Sea waves are about 2 metres, and areas with thunderstorms more than 2 metres.

In the south (west coast): Thunderstorms cover 30% of the area, especially in Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun provinces. Lowest temperature 23-25 degrees Celsius, highest temperature 31-34 degrees Celsius. Easterly winds, speed 15-30km/h. Sea waves are about 1 metre, off-shore and in areas with thunderstorms more than 1 metre.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Partly cloudy with thunderstorms covering 10% of the area. Lowest temperature 23-25 degrees Celsius, highest temperature 32-33 degrees Celsius. southeastern winds, speed 10-20km/h, reported KhaoSod.