CHIANG RAI – The Meteorological Department (กรมอุตุนิยมวิทยา) reports that the weather today (March 12) could turn rough across many areas. Over the next 24 hours, Chiang Rai and most of northern Thailand may see summer storms. These storms can bring thunderstorms, strong gusty winds, hail in some spots, heavy rain in isolated areas, and lightning.
This pattern is happening because a westerly trough from Myanmar is moving over the North and the western part of the Northeast. At the same time, a new moderate high-pressure (cool air) mass from China is spreading into the Northeast, the East, and the South China Sea. Meanwhile, upper Thailand remains hot, which helps storms build quickly.
Safety advice for Chiang Rai residents and farmers
People in Chiang Rai and Northern Thailand should stay alert for dangerous storm conditions. It’s best to avoid open areas and not stand under large trees, near unstable buildings, or close to weak billboards.
For farmers, it helps to support fruit trees, protect crops, and prepare for possible damage to livestock and farm structures. Also, take care of your health, since the weather can change fast.
Southern Thailand: storms and rougher seas in some areas
In the South, thunderstorms are expected, with heavy rain in some places. This is due to easterly winds covering the Gulf of Thailand, the South, and the Andaman Sea.
Sea conditions in the lower Gulf of Thailand are at a moderate level, with waves around 1 to 2 meters. In stormy areas, waves can rise above 2 meters. Because of this, sailors in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea should avoid sailing during thunderstorms.
Right now, the North and Central regions may see moderate to fairly high dust and haze buildup. This is because air movement is only weak to moderate, so pollution clears more slowly.
Thailand weather forecast (6:00 AM today to 6:00 AM tomorrow)
Northern Region
Hot during the day, with thunderstorms in 40% of the area, plus strong winds, and hail in some places.
Areas affected include: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phetchabun.
Low: 17 to 21°C
High: 28 to 35°C
Winds: Southeast, 10 to 20 km/h
Northeastern Region
Mostly cloudy, with thunderstorms in 30% of the area, strong winds, and hail in some places.
Areas affected include: Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Buriram.
Low: 18 to 23°C
High: 32 to 33°C
Winds: Northeast, 15 to 30 km/h
Central Region
Hot during the day, with thunderstorms in 40% of the area, strong winds, and hail in some places.
Areas affected include: Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Suphan Buri, Chainat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon.
Low: 23 to 25°C
High: 33 to 36°C
Winds: East, 10 to 20 km/h
Eastern Region
Hot during the day, with thunderstorms in 40% of the area, and strong winds in some places.
Areas affected include: Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat.
Low: 23 to 27°C
High: 32 to 35°C
Winds: East, 15 to 30 km/h
Sea: Waves around 1 meter, and over 2 meters in stormy areas
Southern Region (East Coast)
Thunderstorms in 40% of the area, with heavy rain in some places.
Main areas: Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Low: 22 to 25°C
High: 32 to 34°C
From Surat Thani northward:
Winds: East, 15 to 30 km/h
Sea: Waves around 1 meter, and over 2 meters in stormy areas
From Nakhon Si Thammarat southward:
Winds: East, 15 to 35 km/h
Sea: Waves 1 to 2 meters, and over 2 meters in stormy areas
Southern Region (West Coast)
Thunderstorms in 30% of the area.
Most likely in: Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi.
Low: 23 to 25°C
High: 33 to 36°C
Winds: East, 15 to 30 km/h
Sea: Waves around 1 meter, and over 1 meter offshore and in stormy areas
Bangkok and Nearby Areas
Hot during the day, with thunderstorms in 40% of the area, and strong winds in some places.
Low: 25 to 27°C
High: 35 to 36°C
Winds: East, 10 to 20 km/h
