BANGKOK – Thailand faces a perilous weather double-whammy, with blistering heatwaves scorching the north and tropical storms poised to lash the south, meteorologists warned Saturday.
A heat-driven low-pressure trough grips upper Thailand, driving temperatures to a brutal 40°C in northern hotspots like Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son. Health experts implore residents to shun extended outdoor exposure, citing soaring heatstroke dangers amid the relentless dry spell.
Even as the north bakes, southeast winds could spark isolated “heat storms” with fierce gusts over central plains and Bangkok. The capital eyes a steamy weekend peaking at 36°C, with a 20% thunderstorm risk offering scant respite. Northern and central highs linger at 37-40°C, dotted by slim 10% rain chances too feeble to cool things down. Air quality shines as a silver lining in the north, rated good to moderate after recent drizzles scrubbed out dust and haze.
The south’s reprieve turns treacherous May 6-8, as easterly waves unleash heavy rains and flash floods across Surat Thani, Phuket, and Krabi. Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea waves hit 1m routinely, ballooning over 2m in thunder squalls. Maritime officials urge skippers to dodge storm zones with utmost vigilance. Bangkok’s environs stay volatile, blending heat with sporadic gusts and showers.