BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s meteorological authority warned of widespread severe to extreme heat and scattered thunderstorms across large parts of the country between 1 and 7 April.
7-day outlook: Heat dominated Upper Thailand
According to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), Upper Thailand was expected to be generally hot with daytime haze from 1 to 7 April. In some parts of the North, Northeast and Central region, conditions were forecast to reach extreme heat.
The agency stated that a heat-induced low-pressure system was covering Upper Thailand. Weak southerly and southwesterly winds were also influencing the area.
Despite heat: Thunderstorms and gusty winds remained possible
The TMD predicted that thunderstorms would continue across Upper Thailand throughout the period, in some cases accompanied by strong gusts. These storms could develop locally even though the overall trend was clearly towards intense heat.
The authority advised the public to pay attention not only to high temperatures but also to the risk from thunderstorms and strong winds. It noted that outdoor conditions could change quickly, especially during activities exposed to the weather.
Southern Thailand: Local thunderstorms from 2 April
For Southern Thailand, the weather service expected local thunderstorms from 2 to 7 April while daytime temperatures remained high. It attributed these conditions to easterly and southeasterly winds blowing over the Gulf of Thailand, the South and the Andaman Sea.
Although rainfall was forecast to be scattered, the TMD issued a warning about typical thunderstorm impacts. These included sudden heavy downpours and hazardous gusts.
Sea forecast: Mostly calm, but higher waves in storms
In the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, winds were generally weak and waves were predicted to be around 1 meter. However, in thunderstorm zones, waves could rise to more than 1 meter.
The TMD urged seafarers to avoid thunderstorm areas and to delay travel in such zones where possible. The warning applied for the entire forecast period.
Regional details: North, Northeast and Central regions particularly hot
In the North, minimum temperatures were forecast at 20–28 °C and maximums at 36–42 °C, with light southwesterly winds of 5–15 km/h. Daytime haze was expected along with isolated thunderstorms and gusty winds.
In the Northeast, minimum temperatures were predicted at 21–27 °C and maximums at 36–41 °C, again with thunderstorms and gusts in some areas. The Central region was expected to see 23–28 °C at night and 36–41 °C during the day, with a similar risk of storms.
Eastern Thailand and Bangkok region: Thunderstorm risk persisted
For the eastern region, the TMD forecast daytime heat and haze, with thunderstorms over around 10–20% of the area and local gusty winds. Southerly winds were expected at 15–30 km/h, with sea conditions around 1 meter and higher waves in storms.
In the Bangkok metropolitan area, conditions were also set to be generally hot and hazy, with thunderstorms and gusty winds especially on 2 April. Nighttime temperatures were projected at 25–28 °C and daytime values at 33–39 °C, with southerly winds of about 10–15 km/h.
Southern region in detail: Gulf coast and Andaman side
Along the eastern coast of Southern Thailand facing the Gulf of Thailand, daytime heat was expected to persist, with thunderstorms over around 10–20% of the area, mainly in the southern part. Southeasterly winds of 15–30 km/h were forecast, with waves around 1 meter and higher in thunderstorm zones.
On the western coast facing the Andaman Sea, the TMD also predicted daytime heat and thunderstorms in about 10–20% of the area. Easterly winds of 15–30 km/h were expected, with waves around 1 meter offshore, rising to over 1 meter in storm-affected areas.
“How are you experiencing the current heatwave in Thailand: are you already noticing impacts on everyday life, such as outdoor work, traffic or health?”
said Thairath, inviting public feedback.
“And how do you assess the combination of extreme heat and sudden thunderstorms – is the warning communication sufficient, or in your view are more advisories needed for tourists and residents?”
said Thairath, encouraging readers to share their views.