STORMS TO PACK HIGH WINDS, POSSIBLE HAIL NEXT WEEK

>> People in 41 provinces in the North, Northeast, East and the Central Plains, including Bangkok, have been warned to brace for further summer storms next week.

The seasonal summer storms are expected between Tuesday and Friday, according to Chayaphon Thitisak, chief of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department (DPMD).

Residents of the 41 provinces should prepare for strong winds and possible hailstorms in some areas, said Mr Chayaphon.

The eight northern provinces at risk are Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan and Uthai Thani, he said.

Storms are expected in 13 northeastern provinces: Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Maha Sarakham, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani.

Another 13 provinces are at risk in the Central Plains: Lop Buri, Saraburi, Chai Nat, Singburi, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Nayok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram and Bangkok.

Storms are also expected in Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat in the eastern region, he said.

The Meteorological Department reported yesterday that a high-pressure system now over China will enter upper Thailand on Tuesday to Friday, bringing thunder, lightning, wind and hail to the Northeast and the East on Tuesday. The North and Central Plains, including the Bangkok area, will be hit on Wednesday.

People should stay indoors during storms and keep away from large trees, flimsy billboards and poorly constructed buildings, added the department.

Meanwhile, air pollution continued to smother Chiang Mai on Saturday. At 6pm, the air quality index was at 179 — in the “unhealthy” range — with PM2.5 particles measured at 159 microgrammes per cubic metre and PM10 particles at 66 microgrammes per cu m, according to the website aqicn.org.