Today, March 17, bring out those umbrellas and hold onto your hats because Thailand is in for some turbulent weather! The trusty Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has sounded the alarm for a sizzling summer storm poised to shake things up across 25 provinces, Bangkok included. Officials predict tumultuous times with heavy rain drenching about 40% of Bangkok’s area. But that’s not all—brace yourself for some blustery winds and an unexpected visit from hail, with the mercury set to drop in the aftermath.
A looming high-pressure system hailing from China is muscling its way into the upper northeastern skies, gathering momentum to spread across the north, central areas, and yes, even the bustling capital, Bangkok. This meteorological mambo with the existing heatwave in upper Thailand is setting the stage for a celestial show complete with thunderstorms, howling winds, hail the size of marbles, and the occasional dramatic flash of lightning. Exciting, right? But safe precautions are in order.
Post-storm, folks up in the northeastern neck of the woods can expect a cool-down, with temperatures predicted to dip by a refreshing 3 to 5 degrees Celsius, accompanied by gusty gales. In the north, central zones, including Bangkok and surrounding areas, and eastern realms, a modest drop of 1 to 2 degrees is on the cards. So if you’re planning to step outside, particularly during the electrifying thunderstorms, watch your step around open areas and stay clear of rickety structures. For the farmers among us, consider battening down the hatches on crops and livestock to weather out this meteorological mischief, and keep those health levels steady amidst these fluctuating temperatures.
Meanwhile, along the Gulf of Thailand, the southern zones, and the Andaman Sea, playful easterly and southeasterly breezes are conjuring up isolated thunderstorms down south. Over in the lower Gulf regions, expect waves to waltz upwards to 1 to 2 metres, with toes curling over 2 metres when the winds kick up. Local sailors are advised to steer clear of storm-battered waters to avoid an unintended maritime adventure.
Shifting focus to air quality, thanks to some much-needed rainfall and robust breezes, the dust and haze are taking a breather over upper Thailand, presenting a range from pleasant to moderately smoggy—not too shabby! However, residents in the northern uplands are still experiencing a tougher time due to sluggish winds, so masks and air purifiers remain the order of the day there.
Let’s talk regional weather highlights: The northern territories are tipped for a splash of the stormy stuff in 10% of the area, with epicenters like Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phrae, Kamphaeng Phet, Sukhothai, and Tak in the spotlight. Expect temperatures to rest comfortably between 19°C to 23°C at the low end, rising to a warm 33°C to 37°C, all hugged by southeasterly winds sauntering at 10 to 20 km/h.
In the northeast, a dip of 1 to 3 degrees Celsius is anticipated, with sporadic storms favoring the southern bits. The mercury will hover between 17°C to 22°C for lows and 28°C to 33°C for highs, with a brisk northeastern breeze dancing along at 15 to 30 km/h.
Central lands, occupied by towns like Uthai Thani, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, and nearby areas, will be welcoming raindrops over 30% of their turf, accompanied by a welcome temperature trim of 1 to 2 degrees. Thermometers will settle around 24°C to 25°C for lows and soar to 34°C to 36°C, warmed by southeasterly gales from 10 to 25 km/h.
Not forgetting the east: Showers are predicted for 40% of the region, taking aim at Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Expect mild chills with temperatures dallying from 23°C to 26°C for lows, escalating to 31°C to 35°C on the high side, breezily caressed by southeasterly winds gallivanting between 15 and 30 km/h. Sea waves will modestly curl at around 1 metre, surging beyond 2 metres when the skies aren’t on their best behaviour.
Over on the southern east coast, rainfall will grace 20% of the territory, dotting landscapes like Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan with refreshing showers. Here, lows will cuddle from 23°C to 26°C, with highs frolicking between 32°C to 35°C. Easterly and southeasterly winds are anticipated at speeds of 15 to 30 km/h, with seafaring seas swaying at 1 metre, potentially rising above 2 metres when storms roll in. West coast regions, like Krabi, Trang, and Satun, are prime real estate for isolated thunderstorms affecting 10% of the realm, with temperatures exploring lows of 24°C to 26°C, heightening to highs of 33°C to 35°C, with easterly gusts flitting at a lively pace.
Last but not least, let’s turn the spotlight on Bangkok! The city and its bustling vicinity will see stormy episodes over 30% of the area today, sliding into a refreshing downturn of 1 to 2 degrees. Expect temperatures to cozy up between 25°C to 27°C in the early hours, heating up to 33°C to 34°C, glazed over by captivation from southeasterly breezes delightfully skimming along between 10 and 25 km/h. Stay tuned and stay safe, Bangkok!
Wow, hail in Thailand? This is climate change in action, people!
It’s scary how unpredictable the weather is becoming.
It’s not just climate change; aren’t these storms part of the natural cycle too?
Natural cycles are real, but the intensity and frequency these days are alarming.
This is god’s way of telling us to slow down. Appreciate the weather for once!
So what happens if you’re caught in a storm on a boat in the Gulf of Thailand?
Most seasoned sailors know how to handle stormy seas. It’s really about preparation and experience.
I guess it’s not a good time for a vacation by the sea then.
Meteorological phenomena like these are fascinating, they show how interconnected global climates are.
Absolutely, and they remind us how much we need to protect our environment.
Indeed, sustainable actions are key for future generations.
I’m worried about farmers. They always bear the brunt of extreme weather.
Too right, Mae. We’ve prepared the best we can, but hail could devastate crops.
I hope the damage isn’t too severe. All the best!
Finally some cool weather! It’s been unbearably hot.
Don’t forget the umbrella, Pete, hail’s no joke!
Right? I’ll take the cool over the heat any day!
Who’s excited for some thunderstorm photography? This is a photographer’s dream!
Does anyone else think the TMD exaggerates these warnings to keep us on edge?
You might be onto something. Media does love a dramatic headline.
I disagree, better safe than sorry. I’d rather be overprepared than caught off guard.
Fair point, Amanda. Agreed, better to err on the side of caution.
Is it just me or is it getting cooler at night now? Quite the relief!
I’m just glad the air quality is improving somewhat. My allergies are thankful!
It would be great if storms like these dropped the temperature permanently, but that’s probably too much to hope for!
Let’s not forget the impact on wildlife! Animals find storms just as daunting.
So true, rescue centers are often overwhelmed during extreme weather events.
Remember folks, stay clear of tall trees and metal poles during lightning. Common sense isn’t all that common!
Who knew a tropical place like Thailand could have hail?
Right? It’s like snow in the desert or something.
I hope public transport isn’t affected by the rain. Need to commute tomorrow.
Adventures in Thailand always come with weather dramas! Keeps things exciting.
I forever forget my umbrella. Hoping for clear skies.
The rainfall is probably good for the air, but I hate getting wet!