Thailand issues summer storm alert amid severe weather

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued its sixth warning about an impending summer storm affecting 45 provinces today, April 12, with severe weather expected in the North and Northeast regions. The public should be cautious of strong winds, hail, and potential lightning strikes from April 12 to 14.

The summer storm warning highlights that the upper areas of Thailand will experience thunderstorm conditions, strong winds, hail, and heavy rainfall in isolated areas. The forecast predicts significant impacts in the North and Northeast during the Songkran festival from April 12 to 16.

A moderate high-pressure system from central China is expected to reach northeastern Thailand and the South China Sea today, bringing easterly and southeasterly winds that will increase moisture cover in upper Thailand. This shift in weather patterns, combined with existing hot conditions, is set to cause the adverse weather.

Provinces affected

Northern region: Chiang Rai, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phichit, and Phetchabun.

Northeast Thailand: 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, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani.

Central region: Nakhon Sawan, Lopburi, and Saraburi.

Eastern Thailand: Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, and Sa Kaeo.

Weather forecast

Tomorrow, April 13, severe weather will affect the North in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Tak, and Kamphaeng Phet, as well as central regions, including Bangkok and its vicinity.

The public in upper Thailand is urged to prepare for potential dangers from summer storms and heavy rainfall. Travellers should avoid areas prone to thunderstorms and routes with recurrent flooding, especially low-lying areas susceptible to brief waterlogging. This includes Mueang district in Khon Kaen, Si Racha in Chon Buri, Pluak Daeng and Mueang in Rayong, and Bangkok and its surroundings. Staying indoors away from unsecured structures and large trees is advised. Special care should be taken during outdoor activities over the Songkran holiday.

Thailand issues summer storm alert amid severe weather | News by Thaiger
Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail

Farmers are advised to reinforce their crops and take measures to prevent damage to agricultural produce and livestock. Maintaining personal health during changing weather conditions is also crucial. The TMD encourages the public to follow updates via their website or contact numbers, available 24 hours.

Regarding the 24-hour weather forecast, thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail are anticipated in upper Thailand, with heavy rainfall in the North and Northeast. In the South, the western coast will see isolated heavy rain due to westerly and northwesterly winds over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The Andaman Sea will experience moderate waves of 1โ€“2 metres, increasing to over 2 metres in stormy areas. Mariners are advised to avoid sailing in thunderstorm-affected regions.

Dust and haze in the upper northern region are expected to decrease as rain increases. The forecast for northern Thailand indicates a 60% chance of thunderstorms, with temperatures ranging from 23โ€“26ยฐC at the lowest to 34โ€“38ยฐC at the highest. Northeastern Thailand has a 70% chance of thunderstorms, with similar temperature patterns. The central region is forecasted to have a 30% chance of thunderstorms, while the eastern regionโ€™s upper part expects similar conditions with a 30% chance of thunderstorms. Southern regions on both coasts will experience varying chances of thunderstorms, with the eastern side at 30% and the western side at 40%, reported KhaoSod.

Bangkok and its vicinity are expected to experience a 20% chance of thunderstorms, with temperatures ranging from 26โ€“28ยฐC to 33โ€“37ยฐC.

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Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Originally from Hong Kong, Puntid moved to Bangkok in 2020 to pursue further studies in translation. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Hong Kong. Puntid spent 8 years living in Manchester, UK. Before joining The Thaiger, Puntid has been a freelance translator for 2 years. In her free time, she enjoys swimming and listening to music, as well as writing short fiction and poetry.

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