Thunderstorm alert for Thai provinces with rising temps

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather warning for thunderstorms across ten provinces, signalling a rise in temperatures for the upper parts of the country. Despite the warmer climate, mornings will continue to be shrouded in fog, retaining the chill, particularly in the northeastern regions.

This forecast, released at 5am today, February 14, also highlights an ongoing concern with high levels of dust and smoke particulates.

This changing weather pattern is attributed to a weakening high-pressure system over upper Thailand. The northeast monsoon, still robust over the lower Gulf of Thailand and the South, is causing strong waves in the Gulf and the Andaman Sea.

The lower Gulf is experiencing waves reaching 2-3 metres in height, escalating to over 3 metres during thunderstorms. Similarly, the upper Gulf faces waves of about 2 metres, increasing further during storm conditions.

The Andaman Sea, meanwhile, sees wave heights of 1-2 metres, with areas affected by thunderstorms experiencing swells above 2 metres, reported KhaoSod.

Residents along the southern eastern coast are advised to be cautious of the strong winds and waves impacting the shorelines, while mariners in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea are urged to navigate with extreme care and avoid areas with thunderstorms. Small boats in the lower Gulf have been recommended to refrain from setting sail for an additional day due to the adverse conditions.

Weakening winds

In terms of air quality, the country is grappling with moderate to high accumulations of dust and smoke due to weakening winds.

Cool-weather with morning fog across the northern regions, with temperatures ranging from 16-20 degrees Celsius, warming to a high of 34-36 degrees Celsius. Mountainous areas will experience colder conditions, with lows of 7-12 degrees Celsius.

The northeastern regions will also see cool to cold conditions with morning fog, with temperatures slightly rising by 1-2 degrees Celsius. The central and eastern parts, including Bangkok and its vicinity, will experience similar conditions, with slight temperature increases and morning fog. The east coast’s seas are expected to have 1-metre high waves, extending to 1-2 metres further from the shore.

The southern region, facing the east coast, can anticipate thunderstorms in 20% of the area, predominantly impacting provinces including Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. The eastern seaboard from Surat Thani upwards will face northeast winds of 20-35 km/h with 2-metre high waves, increasing beyond 2 metres during thunderstorms.

Conversely, the southern region facing the west coast is forecasted to have thunderstorms in 10% of the area, mainly affecting provinces like Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Krabi, with daytime temperatures heating up.

Bangkok and surrounding areas will also see temperatures rise by 1-2 degrees Celsius after cool and foggy mornings.

As the high-pressure system weakens and weather patterns shift, the TMD advises the public to take care of their health and stay informed of the latest Thailand weather updates.