Governor Mr. Charoenrit Sanguansat has ordered all departments in the province to continue to monitor the current cold weather gripping the north and may declare Chiang Mai Province a disaster area if it continues.
Affected by the high-pressure system that moved down from China late last week, Chiang Mai has been gripped by cold weather with even Mueang Chiang Mai getting down to 11c this morning, Dec. 9. Temperatures are colder again in the hills with temps below 0c reported on Doi Inthanon in Chom Thong and Doi Ang Khang in Fang.
According to Bangkok Business News and Nation.tv, the criteria in which the province may declare a disaster area is continuous temperatures of below 8c for three consecutive days.
The province itself, led by the Chiang Mai Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office has been coordinating relief efforts including distributing some 18,000 blankets to those in need and are appealing for donations to assist with their efforts.
Locals are advised to wear thick coats or sweaters when leaving their homes and to avoid drafts.
The current forecast for Chiang Mai city is a low of 10c tonight, Dec. 9 with minimum temperatures up to 13c by Friday. Outlying areas in the metro area along with other districts in the province are colder again.
Photos: Chiang Mai One
