Temperatures are expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius in all regions of Thailand during this month and April, the Meteorological Department warned.
Kornravee Sitthichitvapak, director-general of the weather agency, said on Thursday that temperatures will be 1 to 2°C higher than the seasonal average this summer.
Areas experiencing very hot weather are anticipated to reach temperatures above 40°C, with the North and the Northeast expected to experience hot and very hot weather. However, these extreme temperatures will not occur every day but in specific areas and periods, she added.
Temperatures are projected to reach 40°C in many areas, including the Central Plains and Bangkok, from March to April.
Ms Kornravee said the highest recorded temperature in Thailand was 44.6°C in Tak in 2016. In Bangkok, the highest temperature recorded last year was 41°C.
While Thailand has not experienced temperatures exceeding 50°C, the weather forecaster emphasised that the heat index figures reflect "feel-like" temperatures and not actual measurements.
According to the department's measurements, the highest temperature recorded was 42°C in tambon Bua Chum of Chaibadan district in Lop Buri on Wednesday, followed by 41.2°C in Roi Et and 41°C in Kanchanaburi.
Provinces in the Northeast, such as Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima’s Chok Chai district, Buri Ram, Mukdahan, Roi Et, Loei and Sakon Nakhon reported temperatures slightly higher than 40°C.
The Meteorological Department also warned that summer storms and gusty winds are expected in the northern and northeastern regions as well as the Central Plains, including Bangkok, from Friday to Sunday.
The high-pressure system from China, which extends to southern China, is expected to cover the Northeast of Thailand and the South China Sea on Friday. Southerly and southeasterly winds will bring moisture from the South China Sea and the Gulf to the upper country, resulting in hot to very hot weather, according to the department's latest update.
Given these conditions, outbreaks of summer storms, gusty winds and hail, including lightning strikes, are predicted for some areas in the lower North, the Northeast, the Central Plains, including Bangkok and its vicinity, and the East from Friday to Monday.
People living in the upper country should beware of severe weather conditions by avoiding risky outdoor areas. The weather agency advises people to stay away from large trees, unsecured structures and billboards. Farmers should take precautions against crop damage.
Summer storms and gusty winds are expected to hit several provinces, including Bangkok, during this period.
Provinces to be affected:
On Friday: Three provinces in the Northeast (Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram and Surin); and five provinces in the East (Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Rayong and Chanthaburi).
On Saturday: Two provinces in the North (Phitsanulok and Phetchabun); five provinces in the Northeast (Loei, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram and Surin); five provinces in the East (Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao and Chanthaburi); and nine provinces in the Central Plains (Lop Buri, Saraburi, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Pathom, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram and Bangkok and its vicinity).
On Sunday: Two provinces in the North (Phitsanulok and Phetchabun); and five provinces in the Northeast (Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Chaiyaphum and Khon Kaen).