Thailand braces for temperatures above 40°C, TMD warns

A weather warning has been issued by Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) that temperatures across the country are expected to rise above 40°C this month and in April. Kornravee Sitthichitvapak, the director-general of the weather agency, has stated that this summer, temperatures will be 1-2°C higher than the average.

Regions facing extremely hot conditions could see the mercury rising above 40°C. The north and northeast regions are specifically expected to witness such hot and very hot weather. Kornravee added that these temperature spikes will not be a daily occurrence, but will be experienced in specific areas during certain periods.

From March to April, several areas, including Central Plains and Bangkok, are predicted to witness temperatures hitting 40°C. Kornravee also mentioned that the highest-ever temperature recorded in Thailand was 44.6°C in Tak in 2016. In Bangkok, the highest temperature recorded last year was 41°C.

While the country has not yet seen temperatures rise above 50°C, it was highlighted that heat index readings indicate perceived temperatures rather than precise measurements. On Wednesday, the highest recorded temperature was 42°C in Chaibadan district’s tambon Bua Chum in Lop Buri, followed by 41.2°C in Roi Et and 41°C in Kanchanaburi.

Several northeast provinces, including Chaiyaphum, and Chok Chai district in Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Mukdahan, Roi Et, Loei, and Sakon Nakhon, reported temperatures slightly above 40°C.

Severe weather

The TMD also issued warnings of summer storms and gusty winds in the northern and northeastern regions, as well as the Central Plains and Bangkok starting today and lasting until Sunday.

A high-pressure system from China is projected to cover Thailand’s northeast and the South China Sea today. The southerly and southeasterly winds will carry moisture from the South China Sea and the Gulf to the upper part of the country, causing hot to very hot weather.

Considering these conditions, summer storms, gusty winds, hail, and lightning strikes are forecasted for the lower North, Northeast, and Central Plains, including Bangkok and its vicinity, and the East from today until Monday.

The weather agency recommends residents of the upper country take precautions against these severe weather conditions and avoid risky outdoor areas. Residents are advised to avoid large trees, unsecured structures, and billboards. Farmers are also advised to take precautions against potential crop damage.

In another development, 57 out of 77 provinces in the country witnessed hazardous ultrafine dust levels yesterday morning. Twenty-seven provinces, mostly located in the north and northeast, experienced seriously harmful pollution levels.

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTADA) reported at 11am yesterday that the highest level of PM2.5, 128.8 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³) over the past 24 hours, was detected in Chiang Rai, the northernmost province.

The government’s safe threshold is 37.5 µg/m³, while the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines recommend nothing above 25 µg/m³. After Chiang Rai, Tak had a PM2.5 level of 120.1 µg/m³, followed by Chiang Mai (116.5 µg/m³), Mae Hong Son (113.8 µg/m³) and Lamphun (113.8 µg/m³), reported Bangkok Post.

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