Summer storm warning for northern and central provinces

The Meteorological Department has issued an advisory that freak summon storms, strong winds and isolated hail storms can be expected in northeastern, eastern, northern and central provinces from today through next Monday.

The department attributes the storms to the arrival of a cold front from China, which is currently blanketing the South China Sea. The front is strengthening southerly and southeasterly winds over the northeastern and eastern regions of Thailand, which are experiencing extremely hot weather.

Provinces expected to be affected by the summer storms are:

Today: Moderate risk of storms in the northeastern provinces of Amnart Charoen, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani and the eastern provinces of Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat.

Tomorrow: Yasothon, Amnart Charoen, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani in the northeast and Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat in the east.

April 18: Mukdahan, Yasothon, Amnart Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao and Chon Buri.

April 19: Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun in the north, the northeastern provinces of Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakhon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima and Buri Ram, as well as Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri and Sa Kaeo in the east. Bangkok, Lop Buri, Saraburi and Ayutthaya are also at high risk.

The Meteorological Department also forecasts hot weather for most of the country today, with maximum temperatures exceeding 40oC up to 42oC in the northern, northeastern and central regions. In Bangkok, maximum temperature is forecast to reach 40oC.

Meanwhile, the Forest Fire and Haze Watch Operations Centre reported a total of 2165 hotspots across the country today. These include 1,329 in conserved forests, 720 in national forest reserves and 116 in other areas.