People in 41 provinces in the North, Northeast, East and the Central Plains, including Bangkok, have been warned to brace for further summer storms from Tuesday to Friday.
Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department (DPMD) chief Chayaphon Thitisak said on Saturday that summer storms, gusty winds and hails are expected to ravage several provinces across the country during March 20-23, citing weather forecasts.
He has ordered provincial disaster prevention and mitigation offices in 41 at-risk provinces to be on full alert during the period. He warned residents in those provinces to brace for possible danger caused by storms and to closely monitor weather forecasts and warnings.
The provinces consist of eight in the North (Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan and Uthai Thani); 13 in the Northeast (Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Maha Sarakham, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani), 13 in the Central Plains (Lop Buri, Saraburi, Chai Nat, Singburi, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Nayok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon,Samut Songkhram and Bangkok), and seven in the East (Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat).
The Meteorological Department on Saturday said the high-pressure system from China will extend to cover upper Thailand between March 20 and 23, bringing hot weather. Outbreaks of thunderstorms, lightning strikes, gusty winds and hails are forecast in the Northeast and the East on Tuesday.The North and the Central Plains, including Bangkok and its vicinities, will be hit on Wednesday.
People are advised to stay inside during the storms and stay away from large trees and flimsy billboards and buildings, said the department in its weather warning issued at 11am on Saturday.
