Thailand is heading into a tense Songkran stretch as the Meteorological Department warns of intense heat, worsening dust pollution and the risk of summer storms. In its 24-hour forecast issued on April 13, 2026 ET, the department said temperatures could rise to 42C in some areas as thailand faces hot to extremely hot conditions across much of the country.
The alert covers upper Thailand first, where hazy skies and extreme daytime heat are expected under a heat-induced low-pressure system. Officials urged people to protect their health, limit long periods outdoors and take precautions as the weather shifts over the coming days.
Heat builds across Thailand as dust levels climb
Upper Thailand is expected to remain hot, with some areas becoming extremely hot during the day. The Meteorological Department said the pattern is being driven by a heat-induced low-pressure system covering upper Thailand, while dust and haze remain above standard levels in the North, Northeast and upper Central region.
The department said the concentration of heat spots in the North and nearby areas is greater than the atmosphere’s ability to ventilate them. People were urged to avoid staying in open areas and to wear N95 masks when outdoors. For thailand, the warning is not just about discomfort; it is also about air quality and the health risks that come with prolonged exposure.
Summer storms expected from April 16 to 18 ET
The department said summer storms are expected to affect upper Thailand from April 16 to 18 ET, bringing thunderstorms, strong gusts and isolated hail, with lightning possible in some places. The Northeast is expected to be hit first, followed later by the East, the eastern side of the Central region and the lower North.
That change will be driven by a high-pressure system, or cold air mass, from China extending over the South China Sea. The department said this will strengthen southerly and southeasterly winds over the lower Northeast and the East, even as upper Thailand stays hot to extremely hot. For thailand, that means a sharp contrast between lingering heat and a sudden burst of unstable weather.
Regional forecast shows mixed risks
The North is forecast to see generally hot to extremely hot conditions with hazy skies, with minimum temperatures of 19-27C and maximum temperatures of 36-41C. The Northeast, Central region and East are also expected to stay hot, with some areas reaching extreme heat and isolated thunderstorms in parts of the East.
On the eastern coast of the South, thunderstorms are expected over 10% of the area, mainly in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Yala and Narathiwat. The western coast of the South will also stay generally hot with scattered thunderstorms. The department said waves should stay below one metre in most areas, but could rise above one metre in thunderstorm zones.
What officials are telling the public now
People in hot to extremely hot areas were advised to care for their health and avoid outdoor activities for long periods. In dust-affected areas, the department urged residents to stay out of open spaces where possible and use protective masks when outside. In the South, daytime heat will continue alongside isolated storms.
Weather shifts in thailand will need close attention over the next several days, especially as the April 16 to 18 ET storm window approaches. The immediate focus is on heat safety, dust exposure and the potential for fast-changing storm conditions across multiple regions.
