Bangkok: The Meteorological Department has issued a warning for residents in the North, Northeast, and Central regions of Thailand, forecasting extremely hot weather with temperatures soaring up to 42 degrees Celsius. This heat wave is expected to be accompanied by summer storms from April 16-20.

According to Thai News Agency, the Meteorological Department's Announcement No. 2 highlights that upper Thailand will experience summer storms characterized by thunderstorms, strong winds, hail in certain areas, and potential lightning strikes. The storms are predicted to initially affect the northeastern and eastern regions, then move to the central region, including Bangkok and its vicinity, followed by the northern region. This weather pattern is attributed to a high-pressure system or cold air mass from China spreading over the South China Sea, leading to intensified southerly and southeasterly winds across lower northeastern and eastern Thailand. Concurrently, upper Thailand will face hot to very hot weather conditions.

Today, forecasts indicate maximum temperatures in the northern, northeastern, and central regions could reach up to 42 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the eastern region, Bangkok, and surrounding areas might experience temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius.

In the southern region, daytime heat combined with scattered thunderstorms is anticipated due to westerly winds affecting the Andaman Sea, upper southern Thailand, and upper Gulf of Thailand, alongside southeasterly winds impacting the lower Gulf of Thailand and lower southern Thailand.