Scorching heat and summer storms are forecast for upper Thailand over the next five days.
The Meteorological Department said on Friday the hot weather would continue through until at least Wednesday, with summer storms from Sunday in the eastern and northeastern parts of the country.
The storms were expected to move into the northern region, central plains and Greater Bangkok from Monday.
They were the result of high pressure from China expanding southward and meeting hot air rising over Thailand.
Nong Khai was the hottest province on Thursday, the mercury hitting 42.5°C, followed by Nakhon Sawan at 42.2°C and Tak at 42°C, the department said on Friday.
Temperatures would top 40°C in several northern and northeastern provinces on Saturday, with Nong Khai leading again with a forecast 43°C, forecaster Ek-anong Kienthong said.
Violent storms caused damage in several provinces on Thursday night - including Khon Kaen, Nong Khai and Chai Nat. (continues below)
Two pickup trucks and a building damaged by storm winds at the house of Suwan Netthuam in Muang district of Chai Nat on Thursday night. (Photo: Chudet Seehawong)
In Chai Nat, at least 50 houses in Muang district were damaged as storm winds and heavy rain pounded area for more than one hour .
Householder Suwan Netthuam said the fierce wind damaged his house and blew the roof off his garage, which collapsed and damaged two parked pickup trucks. He also saw power poles falling down.
A storm also brought down 20 electricity poles along a road between Ban Phai and Chonnabot districts in Khon Kaen, causing a power cut in the area.