As the hot season in Thailand begins to wind down, residents and visitors are finding creative ways to protect themselves from the intense sunlight in Bang Na district, Bangkok. Jackets and hoods have become popular choices to shield from the strong rays, particularly in early April. The Thai Meteorological Department’s deputy director-general, Thanasit Iam-ananchai, has announced that the country is now transitioning to the rainy season, which is expected to officially start in mid-May.
Thanasit also serves as the department’s spokesperson and shared that the hot season in Thailand reached its apex on April 15, with temperatures hitting a sweltering 44.6°C in Tak province. The end of summer and the beginning of the rainy season is predicted to be declared in the middle of next month. As the head of the department’s technical affairs, Thanasit has forecasted high daily heat indices, or apparent temperatures, in certain areas during this weekend, presenting a dangerous level of 54°C or above in locations such as Bang Na district in Bangkok, Sattahip district in Chon Buri, and the island resort province of Phuket.
The heat indices in Bang Na, Sattahip, and Phuket tend to be higher than other areas during the hot season because of their proximity to the sea and the increased level of moisture in their atmosphere. For instance, Bang Na is only 20 kilometers from the sea, and its high volume of moisture is carried to the shore with the wind. The combination of high air temperature and moisture results in a heat index that surpasses other areas. In simple terms, the heat index represents the temperature that the human body perceives when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature. This can lead to situations where if the air temperature exceeds 40°C, the heat index can reach 45°C or higher—a level that can cause people to faint or suffer from heat stroke.
As Thailand experiences such extreme temperatures, it is crucial for residents and tourists alike to take necessary precautions, such as wearing protective clothing and staying hydrated, to avoid the detrimental health effects associated with heat exposure. Locals, travelers, and expats can look forward to the upcoming rainy season, which will undoubtedly bring some relief from the relentless summer heat.
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