The temperature in Bangkok is forecasted to drop to a low of 15°C on Monday, persisting until Tuesday.
Seree Supharathit, director of the Centre for Climate Change and Disaster at Rangsit University, indicated on Sunday that a further decline in temperatures is expected over the next few days. The mercury is projected to dip by an additional 2-3°C, potentially bringing minimum temperatures in Bangkok and surrounding areas to 15°C. In the upper northern and northeastern regions, temperatures could sink to approximately 12°C.
This cool spell is anticipated to last until around January 20, after which temperatures are expected to rise again.
Experts have noted that while the global average temperature this year could be slightly lower than last year’s, it will still remain elevated, with an average increase of about 1.41°C compared to over 1.5°C last year.
According to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), a moderately strong high-pressure system or cold air mass continues to dominate upper Thailand, the upper southern region, and the South China Sea. This weather system will contribute to a temperature drop of 1-2°C across upper Thailand in the next 24 hours, accompanied by strong winds. The northern, northeastern, and central regions are expected to experience cool to cold conditions.
Cold weather is also forecasted for the eastern and upper southern regions, as well as Bangkok and its nearby areas in the mornings. At higher altitudes and mountainous regions, temperatures will range from cold to very cold, with frost reported in some locations.
Residents in upper Thailand and the upper southern region are advised to take precautions for their health due to the cold and to be cautious of fire hazards caused by dry, windy conditions.
In Chiang Mai, Kriangkrai Chaipiset, chief of Doi Inthanon National Park in the Chom Thong district, noted that weather conditions on Doi Inthanon and Kiew Mae Pan were clear, boasting excellent air quality. The lowest temperature recorded at the summit was 5°C, 7°C at Kiew Mae Pan, and 9°C at the park office. PM2.5 levels at both the summit and the park office were reported as zero.
Visitors continue to flock to Doi Inthanon to enjoy the chilly weather, morning sunlight, sea of mist, winter flowers, and natural attractions in the park following the New Year holiday. On January 4, a total of 2,066 vehicles and 7,984 visitors entered the park, comprised of 6,230 Thai visitors and 1,754 foreigners. Tourists are advised to exercise caution while driving to the mountain.
