Thailand braces for thunderstorms amid soaring temperatures

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued another severe weather warning for 43 provinces, forecasting thunderstorms across 30% of the area, including the Bangkok Metropolitan Region. The alert comes as temperatures soar to nearly 40 degrees Celsius due to a low-pressure area caused by intense heat covering the upper part of Thailand.

Residents in the upper part of Thailand are experiencing exceptionally hot weather, with temperatures reaching almost 40 degrees Celsius today, March 26. The extreme heat is accompanied by scattered thunderstorms, particularly during the afternoon hours. The TMD’s forecast for the next 24 hours indicates that the upper region of the country will continue to be under the influence of this low-pressure system, resulting in hot to very hot conditions.

Simultaneously, a high-pressure system or a cold air mass from China is extending over the northeast and the South China Sea. This system is bringing in southerly and southeasterly winds that carry moisture over the upper part of Thailand.

Such conditions can lead to thunderstorms and strong gusty winds in some areas. The public in these regions is advised to take care of their health due to the heat and to be cautious of the potential dangers posed by thunderstorms and strong winds.

In the Gulf of Thailand, the south, and the Andaman Sea, easterly and southeasterly winds are prevalent. This is causing thunderstorms in some parts of the south, with waves in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea reaching about 1 metre in height. Areas experiencing thunderstorms may see waves higher than 1 metre. Fishermen in these areas are warned to avoid going out to sea during thunderstorms.

Dust particles are currently at moderate to high levels in the north, northeast, and upper central regions due to weakening winds and poor air circulation.

Very hot

The weather forecast for Thailand from 6am today to 6am tomorrow predicts hot to very hot weather in the north with thunderstorms in 10% of the area and strong winds in some parts, particularly in Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, Phichit, and Phetchabun provinces. The lowest temperatures will range from 17-23 degrees Celsius, with the highest temperatures between 36-40 degrees Celsius, and southwesterly winds at speeds of 5-15 km/h.

Similarly, the northeast will experience hot weather with afternoon thunderstorms in 40% of the area and strong winds in some parts. This particularly affects 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.

The lowest temperatures will range from 18-26 degrees Celsius with the highest temperatures between 33-37 degrees Celsius, accompanied by southeasterly winds at speeds of 10-15 km/h.

The central region is also forecasted to be hot with thunderstorms in 30% of the area, particularly in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Lopburi, Saraburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, and Nakhon Pathom. The temperature is expected to range from a low of 24-27 degrees Celsius to a high of 36-39 degrees Celsius, with southerly winds at speeds of 10-15 km/h.

In the east, there will be thunderstorms in 40% of the area, mostly affecting Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Sa Kaeo, and Chachoengsao. The temperatures will range from a low of 26-28 degrees Celsius to a high of 31-35 degrees Celsius, with southeasterly winds at speeds of 10-30 km/h. The sea will have waves less than 1 metre high, but areas with thunderstorms may experience waves higher than 1 metre.

The southern region (east coast) will have hot daytime weather with thunderstorms in 10% of the area, mainly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. The temperatures will range from a low of 24-25 degrees Celsius to a high of 32-37 degrees Celsius, with southeasterly winds at speeds of 15-30 km/h. The sea will have waves about 1 metre high, but areas with thunderstorms may experience waves higher than 1 metre.

The southern region (west coast) will also have hot daytime weather with thunderstorms in 10% of the area, mostly in Krabi, Trang, and Satun. The temperatures will range from a low of 25-26 degrees Celsius to a high of 36-38 degrees Celsius, with easterly winds at speeds of 15-30 km/h. The sea will have waves about 1 metre high, but areas with thunderstorms may experience waves higher than 1 metre.

In Bangkok and the vicinity, the weather is hot with scattered thundershowers in 30% of the area, and strong winds in some parts. The lowest temperatures will be 27-28 degrees Celsius, and the highest will be 34-37 degrees Celsius, with southerly winds at speeds of 10-20 km/h. Today’s weather conditions have prompted the TMD to alert the public in 43 provinces to brace for thunderstorms.