Storms hit three districts in Nan province in the early hours of Thursday, damaging more than 200 houses, as the weather office warned of thunderstorms and gusty winds in the North, Northeast, East and the Central Plains throughout Songkran.
Thunderstorms pounded Muang, Pua and Chiang Klang districts for more than one hour, ripping roofs of many houses, uprooting trees and toppling power poles. Nobody was injured.
Affected areas were Ban Ngiew village in Chiang Klang district; Ban Don Kaew, Pong, Sala, Sob Bua and Wang Muang villages in Pua district; and Ban Had Pla Haeng and Ban Wang Mor villages in Muang district. More than 200 houses and some vehicles were damaged.
The Meteorological Department on Thursday said another high pressure zone moving in from China will extend over upper Thailand, bringing hot weather conditions from April 13-15.
Summer storms, with thunderbolts, gusty winds and hail, are forecast for 35 provinces in the Northeast, North, East and Central Plains.
On Thursday, the storms could hit all 20 provinces in the Northeast (Loei, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Bung Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Yasothon, Kalasin, Roi Et, Maha Sarakham, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram and Surin); 10 in the North (Chiang Rai, Phayao, Phrae, Nan, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, and Nakhon Sawan); 3 in the Central region (Lop Buri, Saraburi and Nakhon Nayok); and 2 in the East (Prachin Buri and Sa Kaeo).
On Friday and Saturday, thunderstorms are predicted for many provinces in the North, East and Central Plains.
People are advised to take precautions and keep abreast of weather advisories.