BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s Meteorological Department warned of “summer storms” across upper Thailand with impacts expected through 20 April, including thunderstorms, strong gusts, local hail and isolated lightning strikes that could also affect Bangkok and surrounding areas.
Weather warning in force until 20 April
On 17 April the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued an advisory on summer storms in the northern parts of the country, valid until 20 April.
According to the announcement, thunderstorms, strong wind gusts and hail were possible in some areas, with isolated lightning strikes also expected.
Which regions would be hit first
The weather situation was expected to affect the northeast and east first, before spreading to the central region including Bangkok and its surroundings and then moving on to the north.
The agency described a sequence in which the severe weather could gradually shift across upper Thailand over the period of the warning.
Cause: Cold air from China meets heat
As the trigger, the TMD cited a high-pressure system, or cool air mass, from China spreading over the South China Sea.
This pattern was strengthening southerly and south-easterly winds over the lower northeast, the east and the upper Gulf of Thailand, while conditions in upper Thailand remained hot to very hot.
Safety guidance for public and agriculture
Authorities advised people to avoid open areas during storms and not to seek shelter under large trees, near unstable structures or beneath unsafe billboards.
Farmers were urged to support or secure fruit trees and take precautions to protect crops and livestock from damage, with additional calls to take care of personal health during sudden weather changes.
Provinces listed as particularly at risk
In the northeast, provinces named included Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Loei, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani.
In the east, the list covered Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Nakhon Nayok and Prachin Buri, while in the north it included Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun and Phrae.
Central region: Bangkok and surrounding areas monitored
The central region was also expected to be affected, including Lop Buri, Saraburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Sawan, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon and Bangkok and the broader metropolitan area.
The weather service listed these areas in several parts of the advisory, indicating a repeated or ongoing risk of severe weather during the period up to 20 April.
How to stay informed: Website and hotlines
The public was urged to keep following official weather warnings from the Meteorological Department, as thunderstorm cells and storm tracks could change at short notice.
Information was available on the website www.tmd.go.th and around the clock by telephone on 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182.