Thailand storms, strong winds and extreme heat forecast; Phuket faces heavier rain

Thailand will see thunderstorms and strong winds over the next 24 hours from May 7, with extreme daytime heat in parts of the North and Central Plains and heavier rain forecast for the South, the Meteorological Department said. In Phuket, forecasters predicted thunderstorms across 40% of the province and nearby Andaman coast areas from midnight Thursday to midnight Friday.

Upper Thailand is expected to turn hotter as a weakening high-pressure system from China loses influence over the Northeast and South China Sea, while southerly and southeasterly winds pull moisture inland from the Gulf and the South China Sea. Dust and haze levels in the upper regions were assessed at slight to moderate because rain is falling in some areas.

Regional forecast shows 41C highs in North and rougher seas in storms

Northern provinces including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Tak were forecast to see thunderstorms over 20% of the area, with lows of 21-26C, highs of 35-41C and southerly winds at 5-15km/h. The Central region was also set for isolated storms over 20% of the area, with highs of 37-40C and southerly winds of 10-20km/h.

On the Andaman coast, Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang and Satun were forecast to get thunderstorms over 40% of the area with isolated heavy rain, temperatures of 24-26C overnight and 34-37C by day, and easterly winds of 10-30km/h. Seas were expected to stay below 1 meter, but rise above 2 meters in thundershowers, while the Gulf of Thailand was forecast at around 1 meter and more than 2 meters in storm areas.

Source: https://www.dailynews.co.th/news/5840765/