BANGKOK: The Thai Meteorological Department has warned of heavy storms across 57 provinces, including Bangkok, saying that on Saturday (May 9) upper Thailand will continue to face thunderstorms, strong winds, hail and heavy rain in some areas, especially in the North and Central region.
The department said the weather is being driven by a high-pressure system, or cool air mass, from China covering the Northeast and the South China Sea, while southerly and south-easterly winds are bringing moisture from the Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea across upper Thailand at a time when the area remains hot.
In the South, some areas are also expected to see heavy rain as easterly winds strengthen over the Gulf of Thailand and the region. Waves in the Gulf are forecast at around 1 metre, rising to more than 2 metres in thundery areas.
People in affected areas have been urged to watch out for thunderstorms and strong winds by avoiding open spaces, large trees, unstable buildings and weak advertising signs.
They have also been warned about heavy and accumulated rain that could lead to flash floods and run-off flooding, especially in foothill areas near waterways and in low-lying ground.
Farmers have been advised to strengthen fruit trees, protect crops and livestock, and take care of their health during the changing weather, while boat operators should avoid sailing in stormy areas.
Dust and haze in upper Thailand are currently at slight to moderate levels because some areas have already seen rain.
Weather forecast from 6am Saturday (May 9) to 6am Sunday (May 10)
North
Thunderstorms in 70% of the region, with strong winds, hail and heavy rain in some places
Affected provinces: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, Phichit and Phetchabun
Minimum temperature: 21-26C
Maximum temperature: 30-37C
South-easterly winds: 10-15 km/h
Northeast
Hot during the day
Thunderstorms in 30% of the region, with strong winds in some places
Mostly in Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima and Buri Ram
Minimum temperature: 23-26C
Maximum temperature: 32-37C
Easterly winds: 10-20 km/h
Central
Hot during the day, with thunderstorms in 70% of the region
Strong winds and heavy rain in some places
Affected provinces: Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram
Minimum temperature: 24-26C
Maximum temperature: 36-38C
South-easterly winds: 10-20 km/h
East
Hot during the day, with thunderstorms in 40% of the region and strong winds in some places
Mostly in Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri and Rayong
Minimum temperature: 24-26C
Maximum temperature: 34-38C
South-easterly winds: 15-30 km/h
Seas around 1 metre, rising above 2 metres in thundery areas
South (east coast)
Thunderstorms in 60% of the region, with heavy rain in some places
Mostly in Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung and Songkhla
Minimum temperature: 23-26C
Maximum temperature: 33-37C
Easterly winds: 15-30 km/h
Seas around 1 metre, rising above 2 metres in thundery areas
South (west coast)
Thunderstorms in 60% of the region, with heavy rain in some places
Mostly in Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun
Minimum temperature: 24-27C
Maximum temperature: 34-36C
Easterly winds: 10-30 km/h
Seas below 1 metre, rising above 2 metres in thundery areas
Bangkok and surrounding areas
Hot during the day, with thunderstorms in 60% of the area
Strong winds and heavy rain in some places
Minimum temperature: 25-27C
Maximum temperature: 36-38C
Southerly winds: 10-20 km/h
- The Nation/ANN
