BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand was placed on heightened alert as cold northern winds and powerful southern monsoon storms triggered nationwide weather warnings.
Cold high-pressure system chilled the north
A strong high-pressure ridge from China reached northern and northeastern Thailand on 20 November, bringing a noticeable temperature drop of 1–2°C. In higher elevations, readings fell close to freezing, with 3–11°C reported on mountain peaks, more typical of European winters.
Authorities warned urgently of fire risks from dry, cold winds and advised residents to keep warm and protect their health. Farmers were told to be especially cautious, as agricultural damage from the sudden cold was considered likely. A resident from Chiang Mai said:
“It has not been this cold at this time of year for a long time – we suddenly had to cover everything!”
said a resident of Chiang Mai.
Fog and poor visibility raised travel risks
From 22 November the cold was expected to ease gradually, but a new hazard was set to emerge: dense morning fog. Visibility was forecast to be severely reduced, particularly in the north and northeast. Authorities appealed to motorists:
“Please drive slowly and use fog lights!”
said the authorities.
Because temperatures were forecast to remain “cool to cold” despite slight warming, fog could persist over large areas. Experts spoke of “critical driving conditions” in the early morning, especially in mountainous regions where fog banks tend to settle stubbornly in valleys.
Southern monsoon brought maximum flood threat
While the north shivered, the south faced a different danger as a very strong northeasterly monsoon interacted with a low-pressure system over the Gulf of Thailand. Between 20 and 23 November, several southern provinces were expected to see an 80% chance of thunderstorms and very heavy rainfall.
Areas particularly affected included Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. Hydrologists warned of flash floods, dangerous water levels in river valleys and sudden inundations. An operations chief in Nakhon Si Thammarat said:
“The water is rising faster than last year – we are on the highest state of readiness.”
said an operations chief in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
High waves kept small boats in port
Conditions at sea intensified sharply as waves in the Gulf of Thailand rose to 2–3 metres and exceeded 3 metres in thunderstorm cells. The situation in the Andaman Sea was also described as bleak. Officials ordered that “small boats must remain on land,” and fishers along the east coast spoke of the “most dangerous days of the year.”
Some beach areas were partially closed as powerful waves pounded the shoreline. Residents along the east coast were urged to stay away from the surf, with even coastal walks described as risky.
Meteorological service urged constant vigilance
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) asked the public to follow its 24-hour information service closely. The next warning level was expected at 05:00 on 21 November, with further escalations possible, especially in the rain-soaked south.
A TMD spokesperson said the situation remained fluid.
“The situation is dynamic. We are monitoring the systems closely and will issue new warnings immediately if the situation intensifies further.”
said a TMD spokesperson.