Severe storms and flash floods threaten 12 Thai provinces

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Photo via KhaoSod

 

by Ryan Turner

The Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather warning predicting severe storms in 12 provinces, with heavy rain expected to cover 70% of the area. This could lead to flash floods and severe weather conditions, with temperatures dropping.

 

The northeast monsoon, which is currently quite strong, is affecting the Gulf of Thailand and the southern region. A low-pressure system also covers the lower southern region and Malaysia, resulting in heavy rain in some areas.

 

The TMD also issued a notice regarding a cold air mass from China, which is spreading over upper Thailand and the South China Sea. This phenomenon is causing cooler temperatures, strong winds, and a further drop in temperatures.

 

Dust and haze levels in upper Thailand are expected to decrease due to stronger winds and the current rainfall. The weather forecast for the next 24 hours reports cool to cold weather with strong winds in the northern region.

Patchy light rain is expected in the northernmost areas, with minimum temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius (°C) and maximum temperatures between 25 to 30°C. Mountain peaks will be cold to very cold, with minimum temperatures between 6 and 12°C. Northeasterly winds will blow at speeds of 10 to 15 kilometres per hour (km/h).

 

Further temp drops

 

The northeastern region will also experience cool to cold weather and strong winds, with temperatures dropping by 1 to 2°C. Minimum temperatures will range from 12 to 17°C, with maximum temperatures between 26 to 30°C. The mountain peaks will be cold to very cold, with minimum temperatures from 6 to 12°C. Winds will blow from the northeast at speeds of 10 to 30 km/h.

In the central region, the weather will be cool in the morning with strong winds, and temperatures will drop slightly. Minimum temperatures will range from 19 to 22°C, with maximum temperatures between 28 to 32°C. Northeasterly winds will blow at 10 to 25 km/h.

 

The eastern region will see cool mornings with strong winds, minimum temperatures ranging from 20 to 23°C, and maximum temperatures between 30 to 32°C. Northeasterly winds will blow at speeds of 20 to 35 km/h. The sea will have waves about 1 metre high, with waves offshore reaching 2 metres.

The southern region’s eastern coast will experience thunderstorms covering 70% of the area, with heavy to very heavy rain in places, particularly in Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat.

 

Minimum temperatures are expected to be between 21 and 24°C, with maximum temperatures between 29 and 30°C. Northeasterly winds will blow at speeds of 20 to 40 km/h. The sea will have waves 2 to 3 metres high, and in thunderstorm areas, waves may exceed 3 metres.

 

On the western coast of the southern region, thunderstorms will cover 60% of the area, with some places experiencing heavy rain, particularly in Ranong, Phang Nga, Krabi, and Trang. Minimum temperatures will be between 23 and 25°C, with maximum temperatures between 27 and 31°C. From Phang Nga upwards, easterly winds will blow at 20 to 35 km/h, with sea waves about 2 metres high, and higher waves offshore and in thunderstorm areas.

 

Bangkok and the surrounding areas will experience cool mornings with strong winds, with minimum temperatures ranging from 21 to 22°C, and maximum temperatures between 30 to 32°C. Northeasterly winds will blow at speeds of 10 to 25 km/h.

 

Source: The Thaiger 

-- 2024-12-16