A storm alert has been issued for the upcoming weekend and Monday, with rain forecasted to help alleviate the unusually high temperatures affecting Thailand during the rainy season. The Meteorological Department announced on Friday that storms are expected to impact several regions, including Greater Bangkok, as well as the northern, central, eastern, northeastern, and southern areas, which encompasses Phuket, Ranong, and Phangnga. The agency specifically highlighted Mae Hong Son, Tak, Kanchanaburi, Ranong, and Phangnga as provinces likely to experience heavy rainfall over the three-day alert period. Additionally, Chanthaburi and Trat are also preparing for significant downpours on Sunday and Monday. Director-General Sugunyanee Yavinchan stated that the forecasted storms will bring cooler conditions, following a period of exceptionally high temperatures despite the official start of the rainy season on May 15. Ms. Sugunyanee noted that temperatures had been slightly above average this year due to accumulated heat from the sea surface, which has weakened the typical cooling effects of the southeasterly winds that generally promote rainfall. She remarked, “Hot conditions this month differ from those in April, as there is more moisture in the air from the sea.” On Thursday, the highest recorded temperature was 39.2°C in Chai Badan district of Lop Buri province, with other locations like Kosum Phisai in Maha Sarakham and Aranyaprathet district in Sa Kaeo also recording temperatures above 38°C.
Source: Bangkok Post
