Summer begins today with temperatures climbing

Bring on the heat! Thailand will officially enter its summer season today with temperatures expected to soar as high as 43 degrees Celsius. The Meteorological Department (TMD) announced on Friday declaring the start of the summer heat.

The onset of summer comes just as a monsoon in the upper regions of Thailand will cause temperatures to rise. The monsoon is changing direction from northeast to southeast. This causes a gradual increase in temperature across the north and northeast. Temperatures each day are expected to reach at least 35 degrees.

Although the mercury is set to rise in the northern and northeastern regions, the department has forecast cooler weather and some fog in the morning. And temperatures at the highest peaks of the mountains in the region are expected to dip even lower.

This year’s summer season is predicted to end in mid-May, with an average temperature of around 35.5 degrees, which is higher than last year’s average of 34 degrees.

The hottest provinces like Lampang, Mae Hong Son, Sukhothai, and Tak will experience temperatures of 40-43 degrees.

Meanwhile, the Greater Bangkok area with its five neighbouring provinces are set to experience temperatures of 38-39 degrees Celsius, the Meteorological Department said. Other central provinces could get as hot as 40 to 42 degrees Celsius.

Last month, the TMD made predictions that turned out to be fairly accurate. They estimated the 43-degree Celsius highs and also that the summer season will be delayed a few weeks. Instead of heating up nationally in February, the temperature climb has begun in early March as predicted.

The summer heat should persist into mid-May, and temperatures are expected to peak slightly higher than last year. March and April will bring hot, humid weather to Thailand, with thunderstorms and temperatures averaging about 35.5 degrees Celsius.

While the hot days bring a load of fun summertime activities, high temperatures can bring increased risks that people in Thailand must be careful about.

Rainfall levels may not meet the demands of consumers and farmers in certain regions. The TMD called for conservation efforts to avoid a water shortage during the hot season. Also, the high temperatures and dry conditions may increase the risk of wildfires and farmers are urged to be aware.