BANGKOK: Thai authorities issued an urgent heat warning for Bangkok on Wednesday as temperatures surged, with forecasts predicting a high of 39 degrees Celsius and a heat index exceeding 52 degrees Celsius, deemed “extremely dangerous” by city officials.
The heat index accounts for humidity and wind speed to reflect what the temperature feels like. Bangkok’s environment department cautioned residents via Facebook to avoid outdoor activities due to the hazardous conditions.
April typically marks Thailand’s hottest and most humid period, worsened this year by the El Nino weather pattern. A recent heatwave saw Lampang province hit 44.2 degrees Celsius, nearing the national record of 44.6 degrees Celsius.
Authorities advised people to stay indoors, stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and exercise indoors to prevent heat-related illnesses. The ongoing heatwave aligns with global trends of rising temperatures, with Asia experiencing notably rapid warming according to the UN weather agency.
