BANGKOK, Thailand – The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) reported that a strong cold air mass from China is sweeping across the country, driving temperatures sharply lower nationwide and extending into the upper southern region. The system is also bringing strong winds and hazardous sea conditions in southern waters.
The Northeast experienced the coldest temperatures this morning, with minimum temperatures ranging from 6 to 14 degrees Celsius. The lowest lowland reading was recorded in Nakhon Phanom at 6.9 degrees, followed by Sakon Nakhon at 7.8 degrees and Loei at 8.4 degrees. Mountain areas reported cold to freezing conditions, with temperatures between 5 and 10 degrees.
In the North, cool to cold weather continues, with minimum temperatures of 10 to 14 degrees. Frost was reported on Doi Inthanon for the 31st time this winter, with grass-top temperatures dropping to minus 1.2 degrees and readings of zero degrees at the summit and at Kew Mae Pan.
Bangkok and surrounding provinces saw minimum temperatures between 15 and 18 degrees. Saturday is expected to be the coldest day of this cold spell, with temperatures beginning to rise early next week. Parents have been advised to prepare warm clothing for children participating in National Children’s Day activities.
In the South, a fairly strong monsoon is generating rough seas in the Gulf of Thailand, with wave heights of 2 to 3 meters and exceeding 3 meters during thunderstorms. All small boats have been ordered to remain ashore, and residents along the eastern and southern coastlines are urged to remain cautious due to dangerous onshore waves. (NNT)
