Hot Temperature Touching 52 Degrees Celsius Kills Dozens of Thai Residents

BANGKOK – Thai authorities issued an extreme heat warning for Bangkok yesterday and urged people to stay home for their own safety as temperatures soar.

As reported by CNA, Friday (26/4/2024), the temperature in the Thai capital was estimated to reach 39 degrees Celsius, while the heat index soared above 52 degrees Celsius and was classified as ‘very dangerous’ by Bangkok authorities.

The heat index is a measure of how temperature is perceived taking into account humidity, wind speed and other factors.

Warning: today’s (yesterday’s) heat index is ‘very dangerous’. Avoid outdoor activities.

“The heat index is classified as extremely dangerous if it exceeds 52 degrees Celsius,” Bangkok’s environment department said in a statement on its Facebook page.

April is the hottest and most humid time of the year in Thailand but the situation is worse this year due to the El Nino weather phenomenon.

Overall, Thailand was hit by a heat wave this week with temperatures reaching 44.2 degrees Celsius recorded in Lampang province, north of the country last Monday. This temperature is close to the highest figure ever recorded in Thailand, namely 44.6 degrees Celsius.

The hot weather is expected to continue for days, while the government is urging people to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and exercise indoors to avoid heat stroke.

The heat wave that hit Thailand resulted in 30 deaths from heatstroke this year.

Meanwhile, Thailand recorded a total of 24,108 cases of dengue fever, most of which affected children aged five to 14 years this year with 22 deaths.

(wbs)