Temperatures in Thailand’s sprawling capital were forecast to reach 39 degrees Celsius, while the heat index topped 52 degrees and is considered “extremely dangerous” by authorities.
The heat index represents the perceived temperature, taking into account humidity, wind speed and other factors.
“Warning – Today’s heat index is ‘extremely dangerous’.” Please avoid outdoor activities,” Bangkok Municipality’s Environment Department wrote on Facebook.
“The heat index is considered extremely dangerous when it exceeds 52 degrees Celsius.”
April is usually the hottest and wettest time of year in Thailand, but this year conditions have been exacerbated by El Nino.
The kingdom has been sweltering this week, with Lampang province in the country’s north recording a temperature of 44.2 degrees Celsius on Monday, just shy of the national record of 44.6 degrees.
The heat is expected to persist in the coming days, and the government has asked residents to drink plenty of fluids, use sunscreen and exercise indoors to avoid heat stroke.
Temperatures hit record highs around the world last year, and the United Nations Weather and Climate Agency said on Tuesday that Asia is warming at a particularly fast pace.
Tags: thermometers exceeded degrees
