Thailand’s northern regions are bracing for hot weather and potential thunderstorms as a high-pressure system brings rising temperatures to the upper part of the country, forecasters said Monday. The heat wave, expected to last through the week, could pose health risks and disrupt daily life.
The forecast for March 23, 2026, calls for daytime highs between 36 and 40 degrees Celsius (97-104 Fahrenheit) across much of northern Thailand, with some areas experiencing even hotter conditions. Scattered thunderstorms are also possible, particularly in the provinces of Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun, accompanied by strong wind gusts.
Southern Thailand is expected to see less rainfall and warmer temperatures during the day, as light easterly and southeasterly winds prevail. Seas in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea are expected to be around one meter high, potentially increasing to over one meter in areas with thunderstorms. Mariners are advised to exercise caution.
Air quality is also a concern, with moderate to high levels of dust and haze reported in the north and northeast due to limited air circulation.
Thailand Weather Forecast: 6:00 AM Today to 6:00 AM Tomorrow
Northern Thailand
Hot during the day, with some areas experiencing very hot conditions.
A 10 percent chance of thunderstorms with isolated strong wind gusts.
Most affected areas: Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun.
Low temperature: 19-26 degrees Celsius.
High temperature: 36-40 degrees Celsius.
Southwesterly winds at 5-15 km/h.
Northeastern Thailand
Hot during the day, with a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms and isolated strong wind gusts.
Most affected areas: Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, and Surin.
Low temperature: 21-25 degrees Celsius.
High temperature: 36-38 degrees Celsius.
Southeasterly winds at 10-15 km/h.
Central Thailand
Hot during the day, with a 10 percent chance of thunderstorms.
Most affected areas: Nakhon Sawan, Lopburi, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi.
Low temperature: 25-27 degrees Celsius.
High temperature: 36-38 degrees Celsius.
Southerly winds at 10-15 km/h.
Eastern Thailand
Hot during the day, with a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms.
Most affected areas: Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Sa Kaeo, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat.
Low temperature: 25-28 degrees Celsius.
High temperature: 33-37 degrees Celsius.
Southeasterly winds at 15-30 km/h.
Seas are around 1 meter high, potentially exceeding 1 meter during thunderstorms.
Southern Thailand (East Coast)
Hot during the day, with a 10 percent chance of thunderstorms.
Most affected areas: Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Low temperature: 23-27 degrees Celsius.
High temperature: 33-37 degrees Celsius.
Southeasterly winds at 15-30 km/h.
Seas are around 1 meter high, potentially exceeding 1 meter during thunderstorms.
Southern Thailand (West Coast)
Hot during the day, with a 10 percent chance of thunderstorms.
Most affected areas: Ranong and Phang Nga.
Low temperature: 24-26 degrees Celsius.
High temperature: 34-38 degrees Celsius.
Easterly winds at 15-30 km/h.
Seas are around 1 meter high, potentially exceeding 1 meter during thunderstorms.
Bangkok and Surrounding Areas
Hot during the day, with a 10 percent chance of thunderstorms.
Low temperature: 26-27 degrees Celsius.
High temperature: 35-38 degrees Celsius.
Southerly winds at 10-15 km/h.