Bangkok high and dry as tropical storm sweeps across kingdom

Officials are on alert as a heavy tropical storm hits most of the nation but misses Bangkok entirely.

Rescue and relief teams are on standby in 40 of Thailand’s provinces through Monday as the high pressure system from China could bring thunder and hail storms across the northeast, lower central and eastern regions of the country.

Residents in those areas have been told to brace for gusty winds and heavy rains, according to a report in state media.

Meanwhile the capital will remain sunny and hot and in the mid-30s through next week.

Officials acknowledged a silver-lining to the storm as it will help mitigate drought conditions and put out the trash fires responsible for fouling the skies in northern Thailand with haze.

Impressive-looking weather map: Thai Meteorological Department