Colder winter adds snap to high season
Thailand will officially enter winter this Thursday as temperatures drop across the country, with Bangkok forecast to see the mercury fall to 15-17 degrees Celsius at year-end.
Phuwiang Prakhammin, directorgeneral of the Meteorological Department, yesterday announced the beginning of winter, saying people across the nation can expect cooler temperatures this year.
Meanwhile, rainfall has declined in the upper part of the country, though storms and potential flooding are forecast for the South.
“The winter conditions will last until mid-February, with lower temperatures than usual in some provinces. We can expect to see frost on mountaintops in December and January,” said Mr Phuwiang.
Average temperatures nationwide this winter will be 20-21C, lower than last year’s 21.9C, he said.
Mr Phuwiang forecast the mercury would drop to a chilly 7-8C in Chiang Rai, Nan, Nakhon Phanom and Sakol Nakhon, while Bangkok can expect lows of 15-17C.
This week, heavy rain will continue to lash the North and upper South. Yesterday, several hours of rain caused floods in Chiang Mai and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces as an incoming high pressure system sparked volatile weather.
In Chiang Mai, flooded roads in the city were impassable for small vehicles, many of which broke down in a highway underpass.
In Prachuap Khiri Khan, the southernmost province in the Central Plains, floodwater up to 30 centimetres deep covered roads in municipal areas of Muang district.
However, the rain will decrease from today, with stronger winds and temperatures dropping by 2-3C this week, he said.
In the Northeast, meanwhile, heavy fog in Nakhon Ratchasima province’s Phimai district saw visibility on roads fall to just 20 metres in some areas.
The cooler weather has also heralded the beginning of the high season for tourism in the mountainous areas of the North.
During the weekend, tourists began flocking in greater numbers to popular highland spots such as Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai province and Phu Thab Boek in Phetchabun province.
Phu Thap Boek National Park announced it would likely see more than 10,000 visitors by the end of the three-day holiday weekend.
Provincial authorities estimate the income from tourists during three-day holiday at the national park alone will be worth 10 million baht.
Phitsanulok province also faces an influx of tourists over winter at its Ban Nam Juang village, Chat Trakan district. Here, visitors can enjoy the sea of mist that envelops the mountain, along with attractions such as terraced rice paddies, the royal dam project and seasonal activities.
‘‘ Average temperatures nationwide this winter will be 20-21C, lower than last year’s 21.9C.
PHUWIANG PRAKHAMMIN DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT