Bangkok is expected to experience its coolest weather in almost 40 years on Sunday and Monday, with low temperatures of 16 degrees Celsius, while lows in the North and the Northeast will be 12°C, forecasters said on Thursday.
"Anyone wanting to experience the coolest temperatures this year (with strong winds) should prepare your body and mind for Jan 12 and 13," Seree Supharathit, director of the Centre for Climate Change and Disaster at Rangsit University, wrote on his Facebook page.
Temperatures are expected to drop as low as 12°C in 13 provinces in the North (Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Nan, Phrae, Tak, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitchit and Nakhon Sawan); and six provinces in the Northeast (Loei, Nong Khai, Beung Kan, Udon Thani, Nong Bua Lam Phu and Nakhon Ratchasima)
Average lows in Bangkok and surrounding provinces are expected to be around 21°C, but on Sunday and Monday they will drop to 16°C, the coolest weather in almost 40 years, said Mr Seree.
Bangkok people may not experience such cool weather in the future given the global warming trend, but they must be careful as the cool season brings with it harmful dust pollution from burning and other sources, he wrote.
The Meteorological Department on Thursday said temperatures are expected to drop by 5 to 7C in the North and the Northeast and by 2 to 5°C in Bangkok and surrounding provinces between Jan 10 and 13.
Another strong high-pressure system from China extends to Thailand and the South China Sea with a decrease in temperatures and strong winds. People should also remain wary of higher fire risk in dry, windy conditions, the department said.
The northeast monsoon prevailing over the Gulf and the South will strengthen with more rains and isolated heavy rain in the lower South, it added.
Waves in the Gulf are forecast to be 2 to 4 metres high and above 4 metres during thundershowers. Waves in the Andaman Sea are likely to be 1 to 2 metres high inshore, 2 to 3 metres offshore and above 3 metres during thundershowers.
People in southern coastal areas should beware of inshore surges. All ships should proceed with caution and stay ashore during thundershowers. Small boats in the Gulf and the Andaman Sea should stay ashore from Jan 10 to 13, said the department.