Thailand braces for record-breaking summer heat in five provinces

Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a stark warning that this year’s summer season could bring even more intense heat than the previous year to five provinces, already topping the charts as the hottest in the country. The forecast, released on February 13, suggests a sweltering summer ahead with temperatures that could soar to a scorching 44.5 degrees Celsius.

The five provinces identified as the hottest spots include Mae Hong Son, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Tak, and Udon Thani. These regions are bracing for extreme heat with maximum temperatures starting from 44 degrees Celsius. Experts are concerned that the searing temperatures this year could surpass those recorded last year, adding to the woes of those living in the affected areas.

Not only is the heat a cause for concern but the weather outlook also indicates a drier season ahead, with expected rainfall averaging below the usual levels for the period between March and May. The TMD’s twelfth announcement cautions residents to stay alert for potential summer storms that could bring thunderstorms, strong winds, and even hail.

The summer season in the upper part of Thailand, which is anticipated to begin in the last week of February and last until the end of May, will likely start one to two weeks later than usual. During this period, the country will generally experience sweltering heat, with the highest temperatures reaching between 43.0 and 44.5 degrees Celsius, mostly from mid-March to early May. However, sporadic thunderstorms could offer some respite from the heat, reported KhaoSod.

For the upper regions of Thailand, the average maximum temperature is projected to be between 36.0 and 37.0 degrees Celsius, which is 1.0 to 1.5 degrees Celsius higher than the normal average of 35.4 degrees Celsius. This marks a notable increase from the previous summer season’s average high of 35.8 degrees Celsius (2022). To compound matters, the cumulative average rainfall is expected to be 30% less than normal, signalling a potentially challenging summer season for both residents and agricultural activities.

The TMD forecast serves as a crucial reminder for the public to prepare for the extreme weather conditions that are becoming increasingly common in the region. With the summer season fast approaching, citizens in the hottest provinces and beyond must take the necessary precautions to stay safe in the face of rising temperatures and the associated risks of heatwaves and reduced rainfall.

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