BANGKOK: The Meteorological Department forecasts the weather for Dec 23, 2024: "Upper Thailand remains very cold," with the lowest temperatures at 12°C, and mountain peaks experiencing lows of 5-11°C. Isolated thunderstorms are expected in the southernmost areas.
The cold air mass covering upper Thailand and the upper southern region is beginning to weaken. This will cause temperatures to rise by 1-2°C in these areas, accompanied by morning fog.
However, northern and northeastern regions will still experience cool to cold weather, while the central region, including Bangkok Metropolitan region, the eastern region, and the upper southern region will have cool mornings.
Mountain peaks and highlands will remain cold to very cold. Residents in these areas are advised to take care of their health due to the chilly weather and to beware of fire hazards caused by dry conditions. Additionally, exercise caution when travelling through foggy areas.
The northeastern monsoon over the Gulf of Thailand and southern Thailand remains moderate, causing isolated thunderstorms in the southernmost areas.
The waves in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea are also moderate, with the lower Gulf having waves about 2 meters high, the upper Gulf with waves 1-2 metres high, and the Andaman Sea with waves around 1 meter high. In offshore areas, waves are higher than 1 metre and can exceed 2 metres in areas with thunderstorms.
Mariners in these areas are advised to proceed with caution and avoid sailing in areas with thunderstorms.
Meanwhile, a depression over the lower South China Sea is expected to intensify into a tropical storm and move near the eastern coast of Vietnam between Dec 24-25, 2024. Afterward, it is likely to weaken into a depression and subsequently a low-pressure system.
