The cold season in Thailand is forecast to arrive at the end of this month, which is about two weeks later than normal. The weather will not be as cold as last year, according to the Meteorological Department.
The season is expected to last until the end of February and the average low temperature in the northern and northeastern regions is forecast to be 21oC, which is about one degree higher than the normal average of 19.9oC.
Three factors are used by the Meteorological Department in determining the arrival of the cold season, namely that low temperatures in the northern reaches of Thailand must be below 23oC continuously for a set period of time, the low-level wind at an altitude of between 100-3,500 metres is northeasterly or easterly, while high-level wind at over 5,000 metres is westerly and the amount and spread of rain is reducing continuously.
The department reported, however, that hilltop temperatures in Loei province have started dropping today, with a minimum temperature of 15oC at Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary in Phu Rua district, 18.5oC at Phu Kradueng National Park and 19.5oC at Phu Suan Sai National Park in Na Haew district.
The minimum temperature at Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai, which is the highest peak in Thailand, was measured at 10oC this morning.
