Nine northern provinces of Thailand are experiencing thunderstorms, with strong winds and hail in some areas today, due to the westerly wind blowing from Myanmar over the northern region and northern Laos, the Meteorological Department reported Tuesday morning.

It warns people in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae and Tak provinces to avoid staying in open fields, under big trees, near big billboards or structures under construction for their safety. Farmers are also advised to take precautionary measures to protect their crops which may be ruined by the turbulent weather.

Meanwhile, cold weather is forecast in the north-eastern, central, eastern and upper southern regions in the mornings, due to a moderate cold front from China, which is currently looming over the South China Sea and north-eastern region of Thailand.

Low temperatures in northern provinces is forecast at 18-22oC, but mountainous areas are colder, with minimum temperatures ranging from 7-14soC.

North-eastern provinces are windy and cold in the morning. Minimum temperatures are forecast at 16-21oC in the low land and between 11-16oC in the high land.

The central region is cool in the mornings, with minimum temperatures ranging from 21-23oC.  Bangkok and vicinity are partially cloudy, with minimum temperatures ranging from 23-23oC.

Eastern region is cool in the mornings, with minimum temperatures ranging from 20-24oC.

About 20% of the west coast of southern Thailand is experiencing thunderstorms, mostly in Phang-nga, Phuket, Krabi and Trang.