In Thailand, the summer season is already in full swing, and the natural paradox of El Nino, associated with record temperatures around the world, is also predicted. As a result, heat and drought are expected in Thailand in the next two months. The temperature in Bangkok and Phuket has already reached +54°C, and tourists are warned about the threat of heatstroke, the Bangkok Post reports concerning the Meteorological Department.
Maximum temperatures for the remaining summer months have been revised by forecasters to take El Niño into account and are now expected to hover around 40C instead of the previously predicted peak of 43C. This means people will have to spend more time under constantly elevated temperatures.
Director of the Department of Meteorological Observation Somkhuan Tangchan noted that since the beginning of this month, the average maximum temperature has constantly been hovering around 40°C. This can be attributed to the presence of a low-pressure area rather than the heatwave that neighboring countries such as India and Bangladesh have been experiencing since early April. However, with the upcoming severe drought, Thailand may face another series of high temperatures shortly.
The Meteorological Department has also expressed concern over the potentially serious health effects caused by the continued high heat. On Friday, the heat discomfort index in Bangkok, as well as in the provinces of Chonburi and Phuket, reached an alarming level of 54°С.
This index is also called the perceived temperature. It reflects the temperature perceived by the human body when relative humidity and air temperature are combined. When the air temperature is high and the humidity is also high, the body cannot cool itself effectively through the evaporation of sweat. This can lead to serious health problems, including heatstroke and sunstroke.
A thermal discomfort index in the range of 41 to 54 degrees Celsius significantly increases the risk of heat stroke, especially with prolonged exposure to heat. The index recorded in Phuket above 54 ° C is associated with an extremely high risk of heat stroke. Tourists are advised to monitor their condition, stay in cool rooms and avoid severe overheating.
The heat will last until Sunday evening. Additionally, extreme weather is expected from next Monday through Thursday, including the possibility of thunderstorms.