BANGKOK, THAILAND – A mass of cold air from China has pushed into Thailand, prompting warnings of falling temperatures and severe weather through November 23.
Meteorologists at Thailand’s Meteorological Department predicted a drop of 4 to 7 degrees Celsius across the northeastern provinces between November 17 and 23, with smaller declines expected in the central and northern regions.
Cold air drives widespread chill
Sukanyanee Yawiyacharn, Director-General of the Meteorological Department, said cold air advancing from China would cover upper Thailand and the South China Sea over the coming days.
“A strong cold air mass from China is spreading over upper Thailand and the South China Sea,”
said Sukanyanee Yawiyacharn, Director-General.
On Sunday morning, officials at Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai Province recorded 6°C, the lowest temperature of the season.
Northeast hit by temperature plunge
Provinces including Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Buri Ram, and Nakhon Ratchasima were forecast to experience early thunderstorms followed by strong winds and pronounced cooling. In and around Bangkok, temperatures were expected to fall by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius through the period.
Warnings for citizens and farmers
Officials urged residents to prepare for the sudden cold.
“All people are advised to prepare for the sudden cold snap,”
said the Meteorological Department.
The agency highlighted concerns for:
• Elderly persons
• Children
• Individuals with health conditions
Authorities also warned of increased fire risk due to dry air and high winds, and advised farmers to consider potential effects on crops.
Rough seas and heavy rain in the south
As northern regions cool, the northeast monsoon intensified over the Gulf of Thailand, bringing rain and strong winds to several southern provinces. Meteorologists said waves could reach 2 to 3 meters in the Gulf and about 2 meters in the upper Andaman Sea, rising above 3 meters during storms.
Maritime safety and coastal warnings
The department issued specific guidance for maritime activities.
“Small boats in the Gulf of Thailand should stay ashore from November 19 to 23,”
said the Meteorological Department.
Larger vessels were urged to avoid storm zones and refrain from changing course during thunderstorms. Coastal communities in low-lying areas and at river mouths were asked to monitor alerts closely amid risks of flooding and strong surf.
Travelers and residents were reminded that the mid-November transition marks a shift between Thailand’s rainy and cool seasons, when weather fluctuations can occur rapidly.