Tropical summer storms hit Khon Kaen, northeast Thailand, this afternoon (May 7) with wind and heavy rain as temperatures reached 40 degrees celsius.

Footage from bystanders sheltering under buildings shows road signs, trees and shop banners being blown over as drivers battle through the torrential conditions.

The visibility was reduced to under ten metres during the downpours, which lasted more than an hour.

Thailand has seen topical storms sweeping the country over the last few weeks as it moves into the summer season with temperatures soaring past 40 degrees celsius in some parts of the country today.