Summer storm threat expected from April 16-20

The Meteorological Department has warned of summer storms expected to affect the upper part of Thailand from Thursday until next Monday.

In its second warning issued on Tuesday, the department said the storms will bring thundershowers, strong winds, isolated hail and possible lightning.

The Northeast and East will be affected first, followed by the Central Plains, including Bangkok and its vicinity, and later the North, said department director-general Sugunyanee Yavinchan.

The changing weather conditions are being driven by a high-pressure system, or cold air mass, moving down from China over the South China Sea.

This will strengthen southerly and southeasterly winds over the lower Northeast and eastern regions, while upper Thailand continues to experience hot to very hot conditions, said Ms Sugunyanee.

The weather agency warned that the combination of heat and incoming cooler air could trigger sudden and potentially dangerous storms.

Residents are advised to avoid open areas, large trees and unstable structures, including billboards, during the storms due to the risk of strong gusts and lightning strikes.

On Tuesday, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) also warned of summer storms affecting the North, Northeast, Central Plains and Bangkok from Thursday to next Monday.

Department director-general Thiraphat Khatchamart said the department’s Central Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command has been closely monitoring weather conditions and assessing risk factors in coordination with relevant agencies.