Cooler air finally sweeps down across Thailand, bringing brisk winds and lower temperatures to the upper regions while the south braces for heavy downpours, the Thai Meteorological Department reported.
Cooler conditions accompanied by strong winds arrived across upper Thailand as a relatively strong high-pressure system from China extended its reach over the region and the South China Sea. At the same time, a westerly trough moved across Myanmar and northern Thailand, while a moderate northeast monsoon prevailed over the Gulf of Thailand, the South, and the Andaman Sea.
Northern Thailand experienced morning cool weather with strong winds and a temperature drop of 1 to 2 degrees Celsius, alongside thunderstorms covering 20% of the area and occasional gusty winds, primarily in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai.
Minimum temperatures in the north ranged from 17 to 23 degrees Celsius, while mountain peaks turned chilly with lows of 9 to 15 degrees Celsius. The northeastern, central, eastern regions and the Bangkok metropolitan area also recorded cool morning temperatures with strong winds and isolated light rain, accompanied by minimum temperatures ranging between 16 and 23 degrees Celsius.
While the upper regions faced cooling temperatures, the southern regions encountered severe weather conditions. The meteorological agency reported that the southern part of the country faced heavy rains in some areas, prompting warnings for residents to stay alert for thunderstorms, heavy downpours, and accumulated rainfall that could trigger flash floods and forest runoff, particularly near foothills, waterways, and low-lying areas.
The eastern coast of the southern region experienced thunderstorms across 60% of the area, with heavy rain concentrated in Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, and Songkhla.
Meanwhile, the western coast saw thunderstorms in 40% of its area, mostly affecting Ranong, Phang Nga, Trang, and Satun.
Maritime conditions intensified significantly across the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The lower Gulf of Thailand recorded waves reaching 2 to 3 meters high, and exceeding 3 meters in thundershowers. Authorities advised all vessels to proceed with caution, avoid thunderstorm zones, and kept small boats along the lower Gulf anchored ashore.
The shifting weather patterns prompted specific advisories for populations in the affected zones. The weather bureau urged residents across upper Thailand to take care of their health due to the colder conditions.
In addition, agricultural authorities advised farmers in the upper regions to prepare measures to protect their crops from potential damage caused by strong winds.
