Thailand’s Meteorological Department is advising 50 provinces to prepare for some unseasonal thunderstorms, strong winds and falling temperatures, with a drop of 1-3 degrees Celsius. Hailstorms are forecast for some areas from today (Wednesday) until Friday.
Meanwhile, in Bangkok this morning, heavy rain lashed 60% of the capital, resulting in poor visibility and motorists on the expressways reducing their speed to prevent accidents.
Fifteen districts around Bangkok were hit by moderate to heavy rain this morning.
The unseasonal thunderstorm dumped rain in Lat Krabang (near Suvarnabhumi airport), Min Buri, Khan Na Yao, Bueng Kum, Suan Luang, Bang Na, Prawet, Saphan Sung, Lat Phrao, Wang Thong Lang, Chatuchak, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok Yai, Phasi Charoen and Taling Chan.
The TMD says that the turbulent weather conditions are caused by the arrival of a “strong cold front from China that covers Thailand’s northeast and is expected to spread to other regions”.
“These conditions would converge with the westerly winds, blowing through the north tomorrow and Friday.”
Affected areas today include Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, and Tak in the north, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, and Surin in the northeast, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chainat, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Suphan Buri, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, Bangkok, and surrounding suburbs.
Areas to be affected tomorrow and Friday are Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Phrae, Nan, Uttaradit, Phitsanuloke, Phetchabun, Phichit, Kamphaeng Phet, and Tak.
Areas south of Bangkok appear to be spared by the forecast and are currently experiencing mostly hot and sunny conditions, although Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao are expecting rain this evening.
Rough seas with waves as high as two or three metres are forecast in the Gulf of Thailand in stormy areas.
“Sailors are advised to exercise caution and avoid stormy areas.”
Temperatures in Bangkok and its suburbs are predicted to drop by 1-2 degrees Celsius, with a minimum of 24-26 degrees Celsius today through tomorrow.
