People stop at red lights in the shade to avoid the sun in the capital Bangkok on April 25 – Photo: AFP
The Bangkok Hydrometeorological Department predicts that in the coming days, temperatures may rise above 52 degrees Celsius.
Previously, on April 24, the capital Bangkok experienced an extremely hot day, with the highest temperature measured up to 40.1 degrees Celsius.
Experts warn that the Heat Index in Bangkok – a measure of air temperature that includes other factors such as humidity and wind speed – is at an “extremely dangerous” level.
Thai people have faced hot weather crisis in recent days – Photo: THE STRAITS TIMES
The city government of Udon Thani, northeastern Thailand, also warned that heat levels could rise to a record high on April 25.
On April 24, the Thai Ministry of Health said that as of April 17, 30 people had died from heatstroke since January 1. This number is alarming, compared to 37 people dying from heat in the 12 months of 2023.
Speaking to AFP News Agency, Mr. Direk Khampaen, deputy director general of the Thai Department of Disease Control, said that officials in this country recommend that the elderly and people with underlying diseases should limit going out and drink water regularly.
Thai officials recommend that the elderly and people with underlying health conditions should limit going out during this time – Photo: REUTERS
Southeast Asia struggles with record heat
In Thailand in particular and Southeast Asian countries in general, April is the hottest time of the year. However, this year’s weather situation has become more serious due to the impact of the El Nino weather phenomenon.
According to Reuters News Agency, an unusual heat wave has flooded many areas in Southeast Asia in recent days. More than 7,000 public schools in the Philippines have switched to online learning in the past week, due to unusual heat in many places.
Many weeks have passed but the hot weather still shows no signs of cooling down in Southeast Asian countries. Millions of people in countries in this region are experiencing days of crisis due to record high temperatures.
