Cold spell will continue into next week, weather bureau says

According to the Meteorological Department, the current high-pressure front covering the country is now weakening, causing temperatures to rise slightly by 2-4 degrees. 

However, the cold snap is still affecting many areas, it said, and advised members of public to remain vigilant, as poor visibility due to thick fog could lead to an increase in traffic accidents. 

Winds in the South are also weakening as a northeasterly monsoon front covering the Gulf of Thailand is now moving across the mainland, the department said. 

People living in the North, especially in highland areas, were still experiencing early-morning frosts. as temperatures measured between 2 and 6 degrees. The current lowest temperatures measured between 9 and 11 degrees Celsius, while the highest temperatures recorded were 25 to 28 degrees Celsius. 

In the Northeast, temperatures in highland areas were between 2 and 8 degrees, while lows in low-lying areas were 10-15 degrees and highs were 25-28 degrees.

In the Central region, fog and cold were reported in the morning, with the lows of 12-14 degrees and highs of 27-28 degrees. 

In the South, the cold snap, mixed with showers, was reported to be worst in the morning. Strong coastal winds were also creating high waves, especially in Songkhla, where they were as high as 2 metres.

At Loei’s Phu Kradueng National Park, where temperatures of minus-4 degrees were recorded, thousands of tourists flocked to set up camp and experience the park’s overnight frost, which lay across the grass and the Sa Kaew Anodas swamp. 

In Lampang, people kept themselves warm by gathering around bonfires as temperatures dropped to around 8 degrees.

Meanwhile, many rural people in Si Sa Ket were reported to be in need of warm clothing and blankets.