Bangkok: The Meteorological Department has announced that the northern region of Thailand will experience cold weather, while the northeast, central areas including Bangkok and its vicinity, the east, and the upper south will face cool to cold conditions. The lower south is expected to receive heavy rain in some areas, prompting a health advisory for residents to protect themselves from the cold.
According to Thai News Agency, the weather forecast for the next 24 hours indicates that a high-pressure area or a rather strong cold air mass will envelop the upper part of Thailand and the South China Sea. This will result in cool to cold conditions across the upper regions of the country with some areas experiencing morning fog. The northern region will particularly be facing cold weather, while the northeastern and central regions, including Bangkok, and the eastern and upper southern regions, will see cool to cold temperatures.
The mountaintops and hilltops will be particularly cold. Residents are advised to safeguard their health against the cold and to be vigilant about potential fire hazards due to dry air. Additionally, caution is recommended when traveling through foggy areas.
The northeast monsoon, which is currently impacting the Gulf of Thailand, the South, and the Andaman Sea, is relatively strong, leading to heavy rain in parts of the lower south. The Gulf of Thailand is experiencing strong waves, with heights reaching 2-3 meters, and areas with thunderstorms may see waves exceeding 3 meters. The Andaman Sea is experiencing waves about 1 meter high, increasing to 1-2 meters offshore, and higher than 2 meters in thunderstorm-prone areas. Mariners are advised to exercise caution, avoid sailing in storms, and small boats in the lower Gulf of Thailand are advised to stay ashore for the time being.
Furthermore, between January 15-18, 2025, the northeast monsoon affecting the Gulf of Thailand and the South is expected to intensify. This will likely result in increased rainfall in the south, with some regions potentially facing heavy to very heavy showers. Residents are advised to be cautious of flash floods and forest runoff, especially in hillside areas near waterways and low-lying regions.
Wave activity in the Gulf of Thailand is anticipated to strengthen, with heights reaching 2-3 meters, and more than 3 meters in thunderstorm areas. In the Andaman Sea, waves are expected to be 1-2 meters high, increasing to 2-3 meters offshore, with higher waves in stormy conditions. Coastal residents in the eastern southern region should be alert to the dangers posed by waves hitting the shore. Mariners in these regions should navigate cautiously and avoid areas with thunderstorms, while small boats in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea are advised to remain ashore from January 16-18, 2025.