Scorching summer ahead: Thailand braces for 43°C heatwave
Thailand is set to officially enter its sizzling summer season at the end of February, with temperatures expected to soar as high as 43°C, the Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) announced today.
The scorching season will last until May, driven by hot southerly winds sweeping across the country. However, the north and northeast will continue to see cool mornings throughout March as a weak high-pressure system from China lingers over the region.
The most intense heat is expected between March and mid-April, bringing sweltering and humid conditions as moisture from the Gulf of Thailand fuels the oppressive climate.
Relief will come in the form of summer storms, with thundershowers, gusty winds, and hail predicted in April and May.
In the south, thunderstorms will affect 20 to 30% of the region through March and April, before rainfall increases in mid-May.
The southwest monsoon will bring waves of 2 to 3 metres in the Andaman Sea, while waves in the Gulf are expected to reach 1 to 2 metres during this period.
The TMD issued warnings about the risk of fire hazards and forest fires as extreme heat intensifies. From late March to mid-April, temperatures will peak for several consecutive days, with officials urging residents to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure, particularly children, seniors, and those with health conditions, reported The Nation.
Last year, Thailand experienced an unprecedented heatwave, marking one of the most severe in its history. The TMD reported that temperatures soared above 44°C in northern regions, while Bangkok recorded highs exceeding 40°C.
This extreme heat led to a significant increase in heat-related fatalities. By May 10, 2024, the Ministry of Public Health reported 61 deaths due to heatstroke, surpassing the 37 deaths recorded in the entire previous year, according to the South China Morning Post.
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