Summer storm lashes Bangkok as North, Northeast brace for hail

Bangkok was lashed by heavy rain on Thursday as Thailand’s Meteorological Department warned of a summer storm, with rainfall expected to affect 40% of the capital, while the North and Northeast were forecast to face severe weather including thunderstorms, strong winds and hail.

The department’s weather forecast for March 12 warned that upper Thailand would experience summer storms over the next 24 hours, bringing thunderstorms, strong gusts, hail and isolated heavy rain, with lightning also possible in some areas.

The conditions are being caused by a westerly wave moving in from Myanmar and covering the North and the western part of the Northeast, combined with another moderate high-pressure system or cold air mass from China extending over the Northeast, the East and the South China Sea.

At the same time, upper Thailand remains hot. Residents in the region have been advised to beware of the dangers posed by summer storms and to avoid open areas, large trees, unstable structures and unsecured billboards. Farmers have also been urged to strengthen fruit trees and prepare to protect agricultural produce and livestock from possible damage, while people are advised to look after their health during the changing weather.

In the South, thunderstorms and isolated heavy rain are expected due to easterly winds prevailing over the Gulf of Thailand, the South and the Andaman Sea. Waves in the lower Gulf are moderate, at around 1-2 metres, and more than 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 forecast for Thailand from 6am on Thursday until 6am on Friday is as follows:

Bangkok and surrounding areas

• Hot during the day, with thunderstorms covering 40% of the area and strong winds in some places.
• Minimum temperature: 25-27C
• Maximum temperature: 35-36C
• Easterly winds at 10-20 kilometres per hour

North

• Hot during the day, with thunderstorms covering 40% of the area, gusty winds and hail in some places, particularly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit and Phetchabun.
• Minimum temperature: 17-21C
• Maximum temperature: 28-35C
• South-easterly winds at 10-20 kilometres per hour

Northeast

• Mostly cloudy, with thunderstorms covering 30% of the area, gusty winds and hail in some places, particularly in Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima and Buri Ram.
• Minimum temperature: 18-23C
• Maximum temperature: 32-33C
• North-easterly winds at 15-30 kilometres per hour

Central region

• Hot during the day, with thunderstorms covering 40% of the area, gusty winds and hail in some places, particularly in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Suphan Buri, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram and Samut Sakhon.
• Minimum temperature: 23-25C
• Maximum temperature: 33-36C
• Easterly winds at 10-20 kilometres per hour

East

• Hot during the day, with thunderstorms covering 40% of the area and strong winds in some places, particularly in Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat.
• Minimum temperature: 23-27C
• Maximum temperature: 32-35C
• Easterly winds at 15-30 kilometres per hour
• Waves around 1 metre high, rising above 2 metres in thundery areas

South (east coast)

• Thunderstorms covering 40% of the area, with isolated heavy rain in Chumphon, Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat.
• Minimum temperature: 22-25C
• Maximum temperature: 32-34C
• From Surat Thani northwards: easterly winds at 15-30 kilometres per hour, with waves around 1 metre high and above 2 metres in thundery areas
• From Nakhon Si Thammarat southwards: easterly winds at 15-35 kilometres per hour, with waves 1-2 metres high and above 2 metres in thundery areas

South (west coast)

• Thunderstorms covering 30% of the area, mainly in Ranong, Phangnga, Phuket and Krabi.
• Minimum temperature: 23-25C
• Maximum temperature: 33-36C
• Easterly winds at 15-30 kilometres per hour
• Waves around 1 metre high, rising to more than 1 metre offshore and in thundery areas

Meanwhile, a summer storm struck Bangkok on Thursday morning, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Road in Yannawa district, where a large tree toppled and blocked the main road.

Authorities temporarily closed the road, leaving vehicles unable to pass and causing heavy congestion and difficult travel conditions, as officials rushed to clear the area and reopen the route.

The latest weather update said conditions in Bangkok and surrounding areas had become highly unstable, with thunderstorms and strong winds affecting several districts. Yannawa was among the hardest-hit areas, with a large tree falling onto the road surface on Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Road and causing a build-up of traffic.

Officials from the Yannawa District Office were using chainsaws to cut and remove branches in an effort to reopen the road to normal traffic as quickly as possible.

Motorists have been advised to exercise extra caution, avoid Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Road heading towards Sathorn for the time being, and check traffic applications before leaving home.

Source of information and images: Yannawa District Office