Storm Alert: Hail and Strong Winds Expected This Wednesday in Thailand — What to Know

Thailand is gearing towards the fierce summer storms which are supposed to strike some parts of the country on Wednesday and release hail, strong winds, lightning, and heavy downpours in various areas. The authorities have cautioned residents and travelers to be on high alert because of changing weather conditions that may occur daily, in terms of their activity, traveling and farming.

The unstable weather according to the forecasts by the Thai Meteorological Department is likely to form between March 11 and March 13 with the strongest storms likely to occur in the middle of the week.

Why are Storms predicted this Week?

According to meteorologists, the storm system can be formed because of a high pressure air mass of China moving in northern and northeastern Thailand. As this cool air combines with already existing hot and humid conditions in the whole country, it provides all the necessary conditions in which severe thunderstorms will develop.

These weather conditions in Thailand can possibly provoke:

• Sudden thunderstorms
• Gusty winds
• Hail in some areas
• Thunderous rainfall and lightning.

This type of steamy storm is rather familiar in Thailand as the dry period changes to the rainy one.

Areas Most Prone to Storm

It is predicted that the storms would have the greatest impact on upper Thailand including:

• Northern provinces
• Northeastern regions
• Central Thailand
• The Eastern parts of the gulf of Thailand

Some of the perpetrator cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and sections of the northeast might encounter scattered thunderstorms and strong winds whereas coastal areas might enjoy rougher seas throughout heavy rainfalls.

In other areas, the weather might be hot throughout the day and then later in the afternoon or evening, storms might be formed.

Risk and Disruptions

Governments caution that intense storms have the potential of causing a number of inconveniences, which include:

• Strong winds will cause falling trees or broken billboards.
• Wailing down harvest and the money cars.
• Low-lying areas Flash flooding.
• Delay at flights and ferries.

Thailand is already on the alert in the event of disruptions to weather this week in the sectors of tourism and transport. 

Hail and heavy rains are also likely to do a lot of destruction to agricultural activities hence farmers are being advised to insure crops and livestock.

Precautions to be taken by People

The authorities suggest a few measures to be observed during the storm:

• One should never be under a large tree or some other unstable structure when there is a storm.
• Loose outdoor items that may be carried off by the force of wind should be secured.
• Check the weather news on the official websites in advance.
• During space, lightning and fierce hail keep at home.
• It is also advisable to strengthen fruit trees and ensure that livestock is safeguarded by rural residents even before occurrence of the storms.

After-Effects of the Storms

The forecast of weather indicates that when the storm duration is over there are chances of recurrence of hot temperatures during the day, but some regions still may have scattered thunderstorms.

The trend shows the common transition period to pre-monsoon in Thailand where heavy rain is always preceded by hot weather.

In the meantime, the meteorologists are urging people to be vigilant and give an official update on the development of the storm system all over the country throughout the week.

FAQs