Thailand’s Meteorological Department has released a second summer storm advisory, cautioning that volatile weather conditions are likely to affect large parts of the country from Monday through Wednesday.
According to the forecast, the first areas expected to experience severe conditions are provinces in the Northeast, where thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds, possible hail and isolated bouts of heavy rainfall are forecast.
The storm activity is then expected to spread southward and westward, reaching northern and central regions, including Bangkok and its surrounding provinces, before extending to eastern areas in the following days.
The weather authority warned that lightning strikes may occur in scattered locations during the storm period, increasing risks for people outdoors.
Meteorologists said the unstable conditions are being driven by a high-pressure system and a surge of cooler air moving from China into the Northeast and across the South China Sea.
At the same time, strengthening southerly and southeasterly winds are affecting the Northeast, Central and Eastern regions, as well as the Gulf of Thailand, while a westerly trough is passing over the North and Northeast.
Persistently hot to very hot temperatures across upper Thailand are expected to further fuel storm development, increasing the intensity of rainfall and wind gusts in some areas.
Residents in affected provinces are advised to remain cautious, avoid open areas, large trees, weak structures and roadside billboards during thunderstorms. Farmers are urged to secure crops, reinforce fruit trees and take steps to protect livestock.
The department also recommended that the public take extra care of their health as temperatures and weather conditions fluctuate, and to monitor official updates for the latest forecasts and warnings.
