Northern Thailand sees storms as heat grips upper regions

Thunderstorms have hit parts of northern Thailand as unstable weather conditions continue, while much of upper Thailand is experiencing hot daytime temperatures, according to the meteorological department.

In its weather forecast issued on March 9, the department warned that about 20% of northern Thailand could see thunderstorms and gusty winds, particularly in the upper North.

Over the next 24 hours, upper Thailand is expected to remain hot during the day, with isolated thunderstorms and strong winds in some areas, especially in the northern region. The conditions are caused by a high-pressure system, or cold air mass, from China covering the Northeast and the South China Sea, which is interacting with easterly and south-easterly winds across upper Thailand while the area remains hot.

Residents in upper Thailand have been advised to take care of their health due to the heat and to be cautious of thunderstorms and strong winds.

In the South, scattered thunderstorms are expected in some areas as easterly and south-easterly winds cover the Gulf of Thailand, the southern region and the Andaman Sea. Waves in the lower Gulf are moderate, around 1–2 metres high, and may exceed 2 metres in areas with thunderstorms. Mariners in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea have been advised to avoid sailing in stormy areas.

The department also warned that a summer storm system is likely to affect upper Thailand from March 11–13. The storms are expected to begin in the North before expanding to the Central region, the western Northeast, the East, as well as Bangkok and surrounding areas.

The system could bring thunderstorms, strong winds, hail, heavy rain in some areas and possible lightning strikes.

The weather pattern is expected to develop as a westerly trough from Myanmar moves over the North, while another moderate high-pressure system from China extends across the Northeast, the East and the South China Sea at a time when upper Thailand remains hot.

Regional forecast (6.00am today – 6.00am tomorrow)

Bangkok and surrounding areas

• Hot during the day
• • Minimum temperature: 25–27°C
• • Maximum temperature: 35–37°C
• • South-easterly winds: 10–20 km/h

North

• Hot during the day with thunderstorms in about 20% of the area and gusty winds in some places, mainly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao and Nan.
• • Minimum temperature: 19–25°C
• • Maximum temperature: 31–36°C
• • South-easterly winds: 10–20 km/h

Northeast

• Partly cloudy
• • Minimum temperature: 18–23°C
• • Maximum temperature: 30–35°C
• • North-easterly winds: 10–25 km/h

Central region

• Hot during the day with thunderstorms in about 10% of the area, mainly in Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram and Samut Sakhon.
• • Minimum temperature: 22–26°C
• • Maximum temperature: 34–36°C
• • South-easterly winds: 10–20 km/h

East

• Hot during the day with thunderstorms in about 10% of the area, mainly in Chon Buri, Rayong and Trat.
• • Minimum temperature: 23–26°C
• • Maximum temperature: 33–37°C
• • Easterly winds: 15–30 km/h
• • Waves around 1 metre, exceeding 2 metres in stormy areas

South (east coast)

• Thunderstorms in about 20% of the area, mainly in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat.
• • Minimum temperature: 23–26°C
• • Maximum temperature: 33–35°C

Surat Thani northwards:
• South-easterly winds 15–30 km/h
• Waves around 1 metre, exceeding 2 metres in storms

Nakhon Si Thammarat southwards:
• Easterly winds 15–35 km/h
• Waves 1–2 metres, exceeding 2 metres in stormy areas

South (west coast)

• Thunderstorms in about 20% of the area, mainly in Ranong, Phang Nga and Krabi.
• • Minimum temperature: 23–26°C
• • Maximum temperature: 32–34°C
• • Easterly winds: 15–30 km/h
• • Waves around 1 metre, higher offshore and in stormy areas.