The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning for a summer storm set to affect 25 provinces, including Bangkok, with predictions of heavy rain in 40% of the area. Strong winds and hail are also expected, accompanied by a drop in temperatures on March 17.
A high-pressure system moving from China is currently influencing the upper northeastern region and is expected to expand to cover northern and central Thailand, including Bangkok and its surrounding areas. This weather pattern, combined with the ongoing heat in upper Thailand, will likely result in thunderstorms, strong winds, hail, and potential lightning in several locations. Following the storm, temperatures are forecast to decrease by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius in the northeastern region and by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius in the north, central, and eastern regions.
Residents are advised to exercise caution, particularly by avoiding open areas and unstable structures during thunderstorms. Farmers should secure crops and livestock to mitigate potential damage and stay safe amid the changing weather conditions. In the southern region, easterly and southeasterly winds are contributing to isolated thunderstorms, while waves in the lower Gulf of Thailand are expected to reach between 1 to 2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in storm-affected areas, prompting sailors to navigate cautiously.
Regarding air quality, particulate accumulation in upper Thailand is between good to moderate levels due to ongoing rainfall and increased wind activity; however, the northern region is still experiencing moderate to high pollution levels due to weaker winds.
Weather Forecast Overview:
From 6 AM today to 6 AM tomorrow, diverse regions will experience various weather conditions:
- North: Thunderstorms in 10% of the area, mainly in Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phrae, Kamphaeng Phet, Sukhothai, and Tak. Temperatures will drop by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius, with lows of 19 to 23°C and highs of 33 to 37°C. Southeasterly winds will blow at 10 to 20 kilometers per hour.
- Northeast: A temperature drop of 1 to 3 degrees Celsius, with isolated thunderstorms mainly in the southern part. The lowest temperatures will range from 17 to 22°C, with highs between 28 to 33°C and northeastern winds at 15 to 30 kilometers per hour.
- Central Region: Thunderstorms predicted over 30% of the area, particularly in Uthai Thani, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram, and Samut Sakhon, followed by a temperature decrease of 1 to 2 degrees Celsius. Expected temperatures will range from lows of 24 to 25°C to highs of 34 to 36°C, with southeasterly winds at 10 to 25 kilometers per hour.
- Eastern Region: Thunderstorms are expected in 40% of the area, particularly in Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat, with temperatures dropping by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius. Lows will be from 23 to 26°C, with highs reaching 31 to 35°C and southeasterly winds at 15 to 30 kilometers per hour.
- Southern Region (East Coast): Thunderstorms affecting 20% of the area, mainly in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan, with lows ranging from 23 to 26°C and highs of 32 to 35°C. Winds will be easterly at 15 to 30 kilometers per hour, with sea waves around 1 meter high, spiking over 2 meters in stormy areas.
- Southern Region (West Coast): Isolated thunderstorms in 10% of the area, primarily in Krabi, Trang, and Satun, with low temperatures of 24 to 26°C and highs of 33 to 35°C. Easterly winds will be at 15 to 30 kilometers per hour, with sea waves reaching about 1 meter, exceeding 2 meters in stormy areas.
In Bangkok and surrounding areas, thunderstorms are expected in 30% of the region, with temperatures dropping by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius, resulting in lows of 25 to 27°C and highs of 33 to 34°C. Southeasterly winds will blow at 10 to 25 kilometers per hour.
