BANGKOK: The Meteorological Department reported on Monday (Jan 20) that Bangkok will remain cool with light morning fog and a minimum temperature of 18°C. In upper Thailand, including the northern and northeastern regions, conditions will be very cold, with the lowest temperatures dropping to 11°C. Meanwhile, the southern region continues to experience rainfall.
The northern, northeastern, central, and eastern regions will see cool to cold weather with morning fog. Upper southern areas, as well as Bangkok and its vicinity, will experience cool mornings.
On mountaintops and highlands, conditions will range from cold to very cold, with some areas experiencing frost.
The public across Thailand is advised to take care of their health due to the continued cold weather.
Additionally, precautions should be taken to prevent fire hazards caused by dry conditions and to ensure safety when travelling through areas with fog.
These conditions are influenced by a moderate high-pressure system or cold air mass covering upper Thailand and the South China Sea.
The northeastern monsoon over the Gulf of Thailand, the southern region, and the Andaman Sea has weakened, resulting in reduced rainfall in the southernmost areas.
Meanwhile, moderate wind and wave conditions persist in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Waves in the lower Gulf reach heights of about two metres, while the upper Gulf sees waves between 1–2 metres.
In areas experiencing thunderstorms, wave heights may exceed two metres. The Andaman Sea has waves of approximately one metre, increasing to 1–2 metres offshore. Mariners in these areas are advised to navigate with caution and avoid sailing in stormy conditions.
Current weather conditions are unfavourable for air dispersion, with weak ventilation and reduced wind strength over upper Thailand.
Additionally, a persistent surface-level temperature inversion limits the spread of air pollutants. As a result, particulate matter concentrations are expected to rise. - The Nation/ANN