Thailand grapples with scorching 43C heatwave and health risks

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a health warning today as Thailand grapples with a heatwave as temperatures soar to extreme highs of up to 43 degrees Celsius in the north, northeast, and central regions, compounded by moderate to high levels of dust accumulation and smoke haze.

Today, April 5, the country is enveloped in a heat-induced low-pressure system, leading to predominantly hot to very hot weather conditions and clear skies during the day, prompting a strong recommendation for the public to take care of their health by avoiding prolonged outdoor activities.

The prevalent hot weather is due to a low-pressure area caused by intense heat covering the upper part of Thailand. This condition results in generally hot to very hot weather across the country with partly cloudy skies during the day. People are advised to look after their health as the temperatures reach scorching levels.

In avoiding health risks during this period of excessive heat, it is recommended that outdoor work or activities be limited, especially for extended periods. Meanwhile, the southern winds continue to affect the eastern region, leading to occasional thunderstorms in some areas.

Residents are urged to be cautious of the dangers posed by these storms. Similarly, the Southeastern winds blowing over the Gulf of Thailand and the southern region, as well as the northwesterly winds over the Andaman Sea, bring thunderstorms to some parts of the south.

Dust particles and smoke haze: The north, northeast, and neutral regions are currently experiencing a build-up of dust particles and smoke haze, categorized from moderate to high levels, due to weak winds in those areas.

Hot hot heat

In the north, the weather is generally hot to very hot with partly cloudy skies during the day. The lowest temperatures range from 21-28 degrees Celsius, with the highest temperatures between 39-43 degrees Celsius. The southwesterly winds are blowing at speeds of 5-15 km/h.

The northeast also faces similarly hot conditions, with temperatures ranging from 22-28 degrees Celsius at the lowest and 39-41 degrees Celsius at the peak, accompanied by the same southwesterly winds.

The central region is not spared from the heat, with maximum temperatures hitting between 38-42 degrees Celsius and minimum temperatures of 24-27 degrees Celsius. Winds from the Southwest are stronger here, ranging from 10-25 km/h.

The eastern region is generally hot, with partly cloudy skies, and very hot in some areas with a 10% chance of thunderstorms, particularly in the provinces of Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. The lowest temperatures are between 25-29 degrees Celsius, while the highest can reach 34-40 degrees Celsius. The southerly winds are moving at 10-30 km/h, causing sea waves to remain below one meter in height, but rising above 1 metre in storm-affected areas.

The southern region (east coast) experiences hot daytime weather with a 10% chance of thunderstorms, mostly affecting the provinces of Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, and Yala. Temperatures range from 24-26 degrees Celsius at the lowest to 34-39 degrees Celsius at the highest. The southeastern winds, blowing at 10-30 km/h, keep the sea waves below one meter, but they can rise above 1 metre during thunderstorms.

On the west coast of the south, conditions are similar, with Krabi, Trang, and Satun experiencing daytime heat and a 10% chance of thunderstorms. The lowest temperatures are between 25-28 degrees Celsius, and the highest are 34-38 degrees Celsius. The northwesterly winds at 10-30 km/h create the same sea conditions as on the east coast.

Bangkok and its vicinity are also facing generally hot weather with partly cloudy skies during the day, minimum temperatures of 27-29 degrees Celsius, and maximum temperatures of 34-39 degrees Celsius. The Southerly winds at 10-25 km/h contribute to the prevailing conditions in the capital region.