Bangkok, tighten your scarves, as we’ve got spine-chilling weather brewing over the weekend that’s bound to plunge the bustling city into a cold spell not felt in almost four decades! Meteorologists are forecasting an exceptionally crisp 16°C on Sunday, January 12, and Monday, January 13, making this a landmark event for the mid-January climate. Incredibly, the northern and northeastern reaches of Thailand are also set to shiver, with lows scraping bottom at a brisk 12°C. It’s as if the tropics have taken a temporary sabbatical, all thanks to a strong high-pressure system making its way down from China, casting its icy influence across Thailand.
Seree Supharathit, the astute director of the Centre for Climate Change and Disaster at Rangsit University, took to social media to sound the frost horn, alerting residents to bundle up in anticipation of the gusty winds and frigid air. He noted poignantly, “This may very well be the last time Bangkok gets to savor such delightful coolness due to the relentless march of global warming.” However, alongside the novelty of this cool wave comes a cautionary whisper of increased air pollution risks stemming from agricultural burns and the usual suspects.
The Thai Meteorological Department has shed light on this frosty phenomenon, attributing the mercury’s descent to a robust high-pressure system surging from China into Thailand and the South China Sea. As the weather changes gears, the north and northeast can expect a temperature drop of 5 to 7°C, while the capital city and its neighboring provinces will see a less severe dip of 2 to 5°C between January 10 and 13.
While Bangkokians brace for a rare cold adventure, those living along the coast are advised to stay vigilant. The Gulf of Thailand is predicted to host waves cresting up to a towering 4 meters during stormy squalls, while the Andaman Sea isn’t to be left out, rolling with waves reaching up to 3 meters or more when thundershowers pass through. Maritime authorities have set out warnings advising smaller vessels to dock, urging residents of coastal areas to heed the murmuring tides.
The chillier season is riding in with a hitch—a word of caution regarding fires this time of year due to persistently dry and windy conditions. For Bangkok denizens, this cold snap presages a weekend to dust off those barely-touched jackets, who knew they were there all along? The city’s coldest temperature on record was a teeth-chattering 9.9°C in January 1955, and it shivered a close 15.6°C in January 2014, its chilliest in three decades back then.
Now, in the midst of these unexpected shivers, from the bustling metropole to the sun-baked shores, there’s a whisper of camaraderie as Bangkok and its sprawling landscapes don their wintry guise. So, Bangkokians, revel in this soundtrack of chill and warmth and let this rare occasion be the harbinger of stories anew. Stay warm and take the chill with humor, as laughter is the best coat one can wear amidst such frosty fare!
16°C in Bangkok is practically a blizzard! All jokes aside, this will be an interesting experience for those who have never felt such cold in the tropics.
We all need to stop freaking out. It’s not even that cold compared to other countries.
True, but it’s the contrast that’s shocking. It’s all relative!
Yeah, but remember, people are not used to it here. It’s not just a matter of numbers.
I’m concerned about the potential air pollution spike. It’s already a problem, and cooler weather might make it worse.
Agreed. I hope the authorities have plans to mitigate this during the cold spell.
It’s ironic to worry about air pollution when global warming is the real issue. We’re ignoring the big picture!
I’m actually looking forward to this! Finally a chance to wear the winter clothes I have from trips abroad. 😊
Haha, same here! Break out the coats and scarves!
Let’s embrace it while it lasts!
I’m with you, Tara! It’s rare, so let’s just enjoy the change.
This cold could really affect the homeless population. I hope shelters are prepared.
That’s a valid concern. There’s a real risk if they’re not equipped for such temperature drops.
Yet another issue our city needs to address better. It shouldn’t take extreme weather to highlight it.
The warning about agricultural burns is real. It reminds me of a time when pollution was so bad I couldn’t see across the street.
Agricultural practices definitely need reform. This weather just highlights the flaws.
What measures can realistically be taken though, especially under government bureaucracy?
There’s a need for stronger environmental policies, but at least awareness is growing.
It’s great for tourists though; they get to experience a completely different side of Bangkok!
For sure! As a travel enthusiast, I think it adds a unique charm.
True, but I hope tourism doesn’t overshadow local difficulties.
Why is the cold one of the last times Bangkok will feel such coolness? That’s alarming!
It’s about global warming. Climate change is making these moments rare.
Worrying implications there… we need more awareness and action.
Interesting that the sea conditions will be unsafe too. When it rains, it pours, literally.
Not looking forward to these squalls. I’m a sailor and this spells trouble for our small vessel.
It’s like Bangkok is going on a short winter vacation. Perhaps it’s nature’s way of balancing things.
I don’t know about balancing, but it certainly is nature’s surprise!