Weather bureau warns northern residents of threats from summer storms

CHIANG MAI, 20 March 2013 (NNT) – The weather bureau has issued warnings for people in the northern region to stay alert for threats from summer storms until the end of the month.

Director Northern Meteorological Center Chiang Mai Charoon Laohalertchai revealed on Tuesday that a low pressure cell active over the upper part of the North is expected to heighten humidity in the area.

Under such circumstances, Mr. Charoon reckoned that the haze problem in Thailand’s North will likely be eased.

In addition, it is forecast that thunderstorms and strong winds as well as summer storms and hails can occur in the region, particularly during March 27-28. Therefore, northern residents are warned to stay alert and watch out for any undesirable conditions.

However, the Northern Meteorological Center stated that temperature should stay relatively low in the morning in the upper part of the North before mercury goes up to 36-38 degree Celsius during the day.

Mr. Charoon added that temperature in some northern provinces may rise to as high as 40 degree Celsius from around the end of March, before the rain arrives as usual in mid-May.

Still, he warned that people in drought-hit areas should continue conserving water even though there seems to be more rain during this year’s dry season.

Meanwhile, the Office of Regional Irrigation 1 in Chiang Mai reported that 133 million cubic meters of water, or 50% of its capacity, are now stored behind the Mae Ngad Somboonchol Dam while 90 million cubic meters of water, or 34% of its capacity, Mae Kuang Udomtara Dam. It said the combined water volume is still 135 million cubic meters of water less than during the same time of last year.


-- NNT 2013-03-20

Well chevking westher forcast around the netand it seems thete is only a possible one day when it might rain in the next 30 days or so. So is this just looking to make people think thete is an end to the smog? False hope along with the AQI for Chiang Rai... Well its lowet around the meter that takes the teading as they ate constantly spraying water on and around it! Its nect to the Condohotel if you want to go and have a look.

Bring them on - put out the stupid undergrowth fires, wash all the smoke haze out, so we can all breath again!

Announcing possible storms might lead to a burning frenzy as everyone tries to burn as much as possible before the rain. Should've kept quiet.

Btw, has anyone seen any "northern residents staying alert and watching out for any undesirable conditions"?

I hope a storm is coming. This day was terrible smog again. Could see the smoke even on short distance.

Remember...be alert......be ready to run for cover.