Temperatures in the capital could reach 41°C on Friday

The department forecast a hot day with isolated thundershowers for Greater Bangkok on Friday, with maximum temperatures of 37 to 41°C. It advised people to avoid staying outdoors for extended periods to prevent heatstroke.

The upper part of the country will also bake due to a thermal low-pressure cell covering the North and Northeast.

In the South, the southerly and southeasterly winds prevailing over the Gulf and the Andaman Sea, will bring isolated thundershowers and gusty winds. People in the South are advised to stay indoors and stay away from large trees and unsecured billboards.

Drivers should exercise caution when travelling through thunderstorms, and farmers should prepare for damage to their crops and livestock, the department warned.

The weather forecast for the next 24 hours is as follows:

Bangkok Metropolitan area

Hot to very hot day with isolated thundershowers in 10% of the area. Temperature lows of 28-29 °C and highs of 37-41 °C.

North

Hot to very hot day with isolated thundershowers and gusty winds mostly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Kamphaeng Phet, Tak and Phetchabun. Lows of 23-28 °C and highs of 37-43 °C.

Northeast

Hot to very hot day with isolated thundershowers and gusty wind mostly in Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram and Surin. Lows of 25-29 °C and highs of 40-43 °C.

Central

Hot to very hot day with isolated thundershowers and gusty wind mostly in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, Suphanburi and Ratchaburi. Lows of 26-29 °C and highs of 38-42 °C.

East

Hot day with isolated thundershowers and gusty wind mostly in Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat. Lows of 27-29 °C and highs of 35-42 °C. Waves below a metre high and over a metre in thundershowers.

South (East Coast)

Hot day with isolated thundershowers mostly in Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. Lows of 24-28 °C and highs of 35-40 °C. Waves below a metre high and over a metre in thundershowers.

South (West Coast)

Hot day with isolated thundershowers mostly in Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang and Satun. Lows of 26-27 °C and highs of 36-38 °C. Waves about a metre high and over a metre in thundershowers.