Heavy rain, hail forecast for northern Thailand

The Meteorological Department has today issued an advisory for northern Thailand, forecasting thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds, hail and heavy rain in some areas as a high-pressure system from China moves in.

According to the 24-hour forecast, the arrival of the cold air mass over the northeast and the South China Sea, colliding with the prevailing heat over northern Thailand, will trigger unstable weather conditions across several regions.

Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay indoors and avoid open spaces, large trees and unstable billboards. Farmers should take precautions to protect their crops and livestock from potential damage caused by the turbulent weather.

Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are expected to experience a hot day followed by a 60% chance of thunderstorms and localised heavy rain. Temperatures in the capital are predicted to range between 25°C and 36°C.

In the north, temperatures will reach up to 39°C, with thunderstorms, gusts and hail expected to hit 40% of the region, particularly in Chiang Rai, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Pichit and Phetchabun.

The northeast has a 40% chance of rain with heavy downpours in Loei, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani.

Meanwhile, the central and eastern regions face a higher risk, with a 60% chance of thunderstorms and potential hail.

In the south, scattered showers are expected initially, but rainfall is predicted to intensify between May 6 and 8 due to an easterly wind surge. Residents in the extreme south should prepare for heavy rain during this period.

For southern Thailand’s east coast, there will be hot weather during the day with scattered thunderstorms covering 30% of the area, primarily in Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. The minimum temperature will range from 22-27°C, while the maximum temperature is expected to reach 33-37°C.

For southern Thailand’s west Coast, hot weather will prevail during the day with scattered thunderstorms covering 40% of the area, primarily in Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun.

The minimum temperature will range from 24-26°C, while the maximum temperature will reach 34-36°C.

Maritime warnings have been issued for the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, where waves are expected to reach one metre under normal conditions and exceed two metres during thunderstorms. Mariners are urged to proceed with caution.

Air quality across northern Thailand remains at healthy to moderate levels, as the ongoing rainfall is helping to disperse accumulated dust and smoke particles.