Summer Thunderstorm Warning for Northern Thailand

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Dark storm clouds hover over Wat Rong Khun”White Temple” in Phan Chiang Rai

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CHIANG RAI – The Meteorological Department has warned people in Chiang Rai and other Northern and North eastern regions to brace for summer thunderstorm and gusty winds on Thursday until Saturday.

The department attributed the freak thunderstorm to high pressure system from China which has been covering the aforementioned areas. The risk of the storm and gusty winds will first be felt in the Northeast and then eventually to the rest of the regions.

Meanwhile, authorities are telling people to stay out of the blazing sun to avoid heat stroke.

April in Thailand is typically hot and sweaty, but this year’s scorching weather has set a record for the longest heat wave in at least 65 years.

The average peak temperature each day this month has been above 40°C (104 degrees Fahrenheit), with the mercury spiking one day to 44.3°C (111.7°F) – just short of the all-time record.

The heat wave has also fueled a new record for energy consumption and prompted health warnings on everything from foodborne illness to drowning, both of which rise every April when Thailand’s hottest month coincides with school summer break.

Temporary relief is forecast later this week with scattered tropical storms. But it will be brief, with the heat expected to return next week before tapering off in mid-May when the monsoon rains are expected.