Thailand’s Meteorological Department has advised people living in the north-east and east to brace for summer storms from Sunday until Wednesday.

Attributing the storms to a moderate cold front from China colliding with the hot weather in the north, the weatherman says that the east and north-east will be the first to be hit by thunderstorms and strong winds, with hail in some areas. The storms will spread to other areas.

People living in southern provinces should be prepared for rainstorms. Fishermen and sailors in the Gulf of Thailand are advised to exercise extra caution and to avoid stormy areas, where waves are expected to be over two metres high.

The department is also advising people in areas affected by the summer storms not to loiter on open ground, under big trees or large billboards, while farmers should take precautionary measures to protect crops and livestock.