As the hot season approaches, temperatures are rising, prompting health authorities to advise people to stay out of the sun when possible. The heat index has already reached the orange “dangerous to health” level.
Between March 5-14, the heat index recorded temperatures ranging from 42 to 51.9 degrees Celsius in certain areas, posing health risks to residents in the southern, central, eastern, and northeastern regions, according to a top health official.
Thiti Sawangtham, deputy director-general of the Department of Health, recommended that individuals check the weather forecast, avoid outdoor activities if possible, and drink water frequently during hot weather. He warned that conditions such as heat rash, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke could be life-threatening.
The groups most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses include the elderly, obese individuals, outdoor workers, alcohol consumers, and people with existing health issues, including mental health conditions.
On Tuesday, the Department of Meteorology reported that temperatures in 10 provinces in the North peaked at 38-39 degrees Celsius on Monday.
The northern part of Thailand is expected to experience cooler temperatures until Saturday due to an influx of cold air in parts of the Northeast, with a forecast of strong winds but reduced rainfall.
However, from March 23-28, temperatures are predicted to rise again to hot and very hot levels, with scattered summer storms expected, especially from March 29 onward into the next month. Nonetheless, this summer is anticipated to be less intense than last year.
