Bangkok: The Meteorological Department warns the upper part of Thailand to brace for “summer storms” with thunderstorms, strong winds and hail. In the South, heavy rain is expected in some areas.

According to Thai News Agency, the Meteorological Department has announced that the upper part of Thailand will experience a summer storm, characterized by thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail, as well as lightning in some areas. Heavy rain is expected in parts of the North and Northeast. Residents in these regions are urged to exercise caution due to the potential dangers posed by the summer storm and heavy rainfall. People are advised to avoid traveling through areas prone to thunderstorms and routes with historical flooding issues, particularly low-lying areas with poor drainage, which may result in short-term flooding. Additionally, residents should avoid open spaces, large trees, unstable structures, and billboards, and be extra cautious when planning outdoor activities during the Songkran festival.

Farmers are encouraged to reinforce their fruit trees and prepare to mitigate potential damage to crops and livestock. They should also take care of their health amidst the changing weather. The cause of these weather conditions is attributed to a moderately high-pressure area or cold air mass from China, which has spread to cover central China and is expected to reach the northeastern part of Thailand and the South China Sea. Additionally, southwesterly and southern winds continue to blow over the upper part of Thailand, where the weather remains hot.

In the South, thunderstorms and heavy rain are anticipated in some areas along the western coast due to the westerly and northwesterly winds covering the Andaman Sea, the South, and the Gulf of Thailand. The waves in the Andaman Sea are moderate, reaching heights of 1-2 meters, while the Gulf of Thailand will experience waves approximately 1 meter high. In areas with thunderstorms, wave heights will exceed 2 meters. Sailors in these regions are advised to avoid navigating through areas experiencing thunderstorms.

Weather conditions during this period may affect dust accumulation, with dust and smog levels in the upper northern region ranging from fairly high to high. However, these levels are expected to decrease due to increased rainfall in the area.