BANGKOK, THAILAND – As Super Typhoon Sinlaku was upgraded to Category 5 over the western Pacific, Thailand faced mid-April heat followed by summer storms with thunderstorms, gusty winds and local hail, while no direct impact from the storm was expected.
Super Typhoon Sinlaku reaches Category 5
Super Typhoon Sinlaku strengthened into a Category 5 system, the highest classification. It was located over the sea southeast of Japan and continued to move eastward.
Sinlaku formed over the western Pacific as the fourth storm of 2026. It initially moved north before turning east over the sea east of Japan.
Impact on Japan: light rain around Tokyo
For 15–16 April, Sinlaku was expected to bring light rain to Tokyo and surrounding areas. During this period, the typhoon was forecast to shift over the sea east of Japan.
For 21 April, forecasts indicated that the system would dissipate over the sea east of Japan. The weather impact on Japan was therefore expected to remain limited in time.
Thailand likely to remain outside direct typhoon zone
According to the available information, Sinlaku was not expected to directly affect Thailand. The storm tracked over the western Pacific and stayed in the region around Japan.
Regardless of the typhoon, Thailand in April typically experienced transition weather patterns with rapid shifts between heat and local thunderstorms. Warnings in the country therefore focused mainly on heat and summer storms.
14–15 April: widespread hot to very hot conditions
For 14–15 April, generally hot to very hot weather was expected across Thailand. The North of the country was forecast to be particularly affected.
Daytime heat could increase strain before weather conditions shifted in the second half of the week. In this phase, it was expected to remain dry in many areas before thunderstorm cells could develop.
16–20 April: summer storms with thunderstorms, gusts and hail
From 16–20 April, summer storms were expected in parts of the lower North, the upper Central region and the upper Northeast. Forecasts called for thunderstorms, strong winds, lightning and hail in some districts.
Such situations could vary greatly from place to place and cause short-term damage, for example from gusty winds or hail. Affected areas were advised to follow weather updates closely, as these events often occurred on a small scale.
South: isolated thunderstorms, continued daytime heat
In the South, isolated thunderstorms were still expected. At the same time, daytime conditions were forecast to remain hot.
This left a split weather pattern, with short, local showers or thunderstorms possible while heat dominated the remaining hours. People planning outdoor activities had to be prepared for rapid weather changes.
Quelle: The Nation