BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s meteorological agency warned of daytime heat and thunderstorms across all regions over the next 24 hours, with 31 provinces under particular scrutiny and specific alerts for maritime traffic near storm cells.
Upper regions: Heat builds pressure
The Thai Meteorological Department reported that the North, Northeast, Central Plains and the East remained hot during the day because a thermal low pressure system lay over the upper country. This heat-driven system was expected to keep temperatures elevated across wide areas.
At the same time, southerly and southeasterly winds carried moisture from the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. According to the agency, this combination made local thunderstorms possible and led to a call for caution regarding storm-related hazards.
31 provinces under particular focus
In the North, the weather service highlighted the provinces of Tak, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun as focal areas for potential storms. These locations were identified as especially exposed to the unstable conditions.
In the Northeast, the list included Loei, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani. The agency viewed these provinces as facing an increased likelihood of thunderstorms.
Central and eastern regions: Brief storms, humid air
For the Central region, the probability of storms covered around 10 percent of the area. The main focus zones were Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram.
In the East, about 10 percent of the area was also expected to be affected. The provinces named were Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat, where short, scattered storms and humid conditions were anticipated.
Bangkok and metropolitan area: Hot day with isolated storms
For Bangkok and its surrounding provinces, the forecast pointed to a hot day with a similar storm probability of around 10 percent. Thunderstorms were expected to be isolated rather than widespread.
Night-time temperatures in the capital region were forecast to range between 25–27 degrees Celsius, rising to 34–37 degrees during the day. The conditions were expected to be accompanied by southerly winds of 10–15 km/h.
South and seas: Warning to boat operators
In the South, isolated thunderstorms were possible as southeasterly winds influenced the Gulf of Thailand, the southern region and the Andaman Sea. These winds were seen as the main driver of local storm development.
Sea conditions were generally described as relatively calm, with waves around 1 meter high. However, near thunderstorms, wave heights could exceed 2 meters, prompting the meteorological agency to urge boat operators to navigate with particular care and avoid storm areas.
Dust and haze: Smog persists over upper country
Regarding fine dust and haze, the weather service reported a moderate level of pollution in the upper country. This was attributed to only moderate air ventilation over these regions.
As a result, alongside heat and thunderstorms, air quality remained a factor that could be noticeable depending on location and time of day. The agency indicated that these changing conditions might affect daily routines, work and travel plans in different parts of Thailand.