BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s Meteorological Department issued a seventh warning of a summer storm for 19–20 April, forecasting thunderstorms, strong gusts and isolated hail across much of Upper Thailand, including Bangkok and surrounding areas.
Seventh storm warning and expected impact
The summer storm was expected to affect Upper Thailand on 19 and 20 April, bringing thunderstorms, powerful winds and hail in several areas. The warning came from the Thai Meteorological Department, with Thai media such as KhaoSod reporting further details.
The alert covered wide parts of the north, northeast, central region and east. Authorities indicated that Bangkok and its vicinity were also within the affected zone.
Storm track from northeast and east towards central and north
According to the forecast, the severe weather would first hit the northeast and the east before moving into the central region. The system was then expected to extend into the north, including Bangkok and adjacent provinces.
This path meant that several densely populated and agricultural provinces lay directly in the projected track. The progression from northeast to central and northern Thailand was expected over the two‑day period.
Weather pattern: Chinese high pressure meets extreme heat
The situation was triggered by a high‑pressure area and a cold air mass from China spreading over the South China Sea. As a result, southern and south‑easterly winds strengthened over the lower northeast, the east and the upper Gulf of Thailand.
These air flows collided with already very hot conditions over Upper Thailand. The combination created a favourable environment for intense convective storms, strong gusts and isolated hail.
Safety advice for residents and farmers
Residents were advised to avoid open spaces and to stay away from large trees, unstable structures and billboards. People in exposed areas were urged to seek shelter indoors during thunderstorms and strong winds.
Farmers were called on to secure fruit trees and take measures to protect crops, agricultural products and livestock. The guidance aimed to reduce potential damage from wind gusts, hail and heavy rain.
19 April: High‑risk provinces in north, northeast, central and east
For 19 April, high risk in the north was identified in Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun. In the northeast, Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima and Buriram were classified as high‑risk areas.
In the central region, Lop Buri, Saraburi and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya were listed, together with Bangkok and surrounding provinces. In the east, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri and Sa Kaeo were named as high‑risk provinces.
19 April: Moderate risk in additional provinces
On the same day, Chiang Mai and Phrae in the north were placed in the moderate‑risk category. In the northeast, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani were assessed as having moderate risk.
In the central region, Nakhon Sawan, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Nakhon Pathom and Samut Sakhon were included. In the east, the moderate‑risk list covered Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat.
20 April: No high‑risk areas but continued moderate risk
For 20 April, no provinces were forecast to face high risk, but several areas remained under a moderate‑risk assessment. In the north, this applied to Nan, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun.
In the northeast, Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani were listed. Authorities signalled that unstable weather with storms and strong winds could still occur.
20 April: Bangkok and eastern seaboard remain under watch
The central region also stayed in the moderate‑risk category on 20 April, including Lop Buri, Saraburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Nakhon Pathom and Samut Sakhon, as well as Bangkok and its vicinity. Residents in these areas were encouraged to monitor updates and follow safety instructions.
In the east, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chachoengsao and Chon Buri remained under observation. The continued moderate risk highlighted the potential for further thunderstorms and strong winds along the eastern seaboard.