Thai Meteorological Department Warns of Severe Weather Across 31 Provinces

The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a warning for a tropical storm affecting 31 provinces, upper, part of Thailand from May 3 to May 7, 2024. The storm is expected to bring hot to very hot weather, heavy rain, strong winds, and localized hailstorms.

This severe weather warning has significant implications for the daily lives of millions of people in Thailand, particularly farmers who may face damage to their crops and livestock. Moreover, the heat wave and tropical storm may exacerbate the existing climate crisis, leading to long-term consequences for the environment and human health.

According to the department, westerly winds from Myanmar will pass through the upper northern and northeastern regions from May 3 to 5, causing severe weather conditions. From May 6 to 7, easterly and southeasterly wind convergence will cover the northeastern, eastern, central, and lower northern regions, leading to thunderstorms and heavy rain.

The affected provinces include 17 in the northern region, 15 in the northeastern region, and 3 in the central region on May 3. On May 4, 4 provinces in the northern region, 15 in the northeastern region, and 2 in the central region will be impacted. From May 5 to 6, the storm will affect 17 provinces in the northern region, 19 in the northeastern region, 9 in the central region, and 8 in the eastern region. On May 7, 7 provinces in the northern region, 5 in the northeastern region, 13 in the central region, and 7 in the eastern region will experience severe weather.

Why this matters: Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay alert to the dangers of tropical storms, avoiding open areas, large trees, weak structures, and unstable advertising signs. Farmers should prepare and take precautions to protect agricultural produce and livestock from potential damage.

This warning comes amidst a severe heat wave that has been affecting South andphotos, southeast, countries, including Thailand, for weeks. The Thai capital, Bangkok, has reached temperatures of 40°C (104°F), with a heat index reportedly topping 50°C (122°F) due to the urban heat island effect. Experts attribute the heat waves to El Nino, a naturally occurring climate phenomenon, an increase in global temperatures, and human-induced climate change.

As Thailand braces for the impact of the tropical storm, residents are urged to follow the advice of officials and experts, avoiding outdoor activities and drinking plenty of water to mitigate the effects of the heat wave. The Thai Meteorological Department will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary to ensure the safety of the public.

Key Takeaways

• Tropical storm to hit 31 Thai provinces from May 3-7, 2024.
• Expect hot weather, heavy rain, strong winds, and localized hailstorms.
• Farmers advised to protect crops and livestock from potential damage.
• Residents warned to avoid open areas, large trees, and weak structures.
• Heat wave and tropical storm may exacerbate climate crisis and health issues.