Thailand is approaching its cooler season, with expected low temperatures in Bangkok ranging from 16-18°C and 14-16°C in the surrounding provinces, according to the Thai Meteorological Department.
The official start of the cool season in Thailand is set for Tuesday, October 29, delayed by about two weeks from the usual onset. It is expected to last until the end of February, according to Sukanyanee Yawinchan, the acting director-general of the department.
The onset of the season is marked by consistently lower temperatures across upper Thailand, which are expected to fall below 23°C, alongside a decrease in rainfall.
Ms. Sukanyanee noted that the coldest temperatures this winter might hit 6-8°C, particularly in the northern and northeastern highlands, with possible frost occurrences in mountainous zones.
In Bangkok, temperatures are likely to range between 16-18°C, while neighboring provinces might see lows between 14-16°C.
The southern regions of Thailand might experience cooler weather, especially in the upper areas, accompanied by significant rainfall.
Additionally, strong winds are expected in the Gulf of Thailand, leading to wave heights of 2-3 meters, and in the Andaman Sea, waves could reach up to 2 meters.
From November to December, there is a potential for tropical cyclones in the Gulf of Thailand and southern areas, which could bring substantial to intense rainfall across numerous regions.
Waves in the Gulf are anticipated to surge between 3-5 meters, increasing the likelihood of storm surges. The public is advised to stay updated with the Meteorological Department’s announcements.
Bangkok Air Alert
In Bangkok, levels of PM2.5 dust particles have surpassed the standard at 36 monitoring stations as of Friday, October 25, with the highest levels detected in the Nong Khaem district, as per the Center for Air Pollution Mitigation (CAPM).
A cold air mass covering the northern part of the country has led to stagnant weather conditions in the capital from Friday to Sunday, exacerbating the accumulation of dust in the air.
The Center recommends that the public help lower PM2.5 concentrations by limiting the use of personal vehicles, regularly checking the Air4Thai website for air quality updates, wearing masks while outdoors, and refraining from vigorous outdoor activities.
Furthermore, the Meteorological Department has issued a warning for residents north of the Chao Phraya Dam to prepare for rising water levels due to Tropical Storm Trami, which is impacting China and Vietnam until Monday.
This condition is likely to bring additional rain and strong winds to parts of northern, northeastern, central, and eastern Thailand.
Areas predicted to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall include Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, Trat, Phangnga, Phuket, Trang, and Satun.
Bangkok could also see rainfall, which may help reduce the dust levels after Sunday.
