Thailand bracing for record temperatures next month

BANGKOK: Record high temperature is expected in the north and northeast during the peak of summer next month, according to the Meteorological Department.

Climatological Centre director Chalalai Jamphon revealed yesterday that this summer would be hotter than the previous year.

The average high temperature in April will be 43°C to 44°C, within range of the record 44.5°C recorded in 1960.

“As per our prediction, the southerly and south-westerly winds would cover all areas of Thailand and result in hot weather during the day time, especially in the north and northeast.

The mean temperature in March is around 40°C to 41°C, but many areas have encountered weather hotter than 40°C,” she clarified.

She said that there is the possibility of the highest temperature ever recorded in Thailand – 44.5°C in Uttaradit in April 1960 – being surpassed.

“However, predictions in the next few weeks should reveal the temperature estimates for April, but it is now clear that the weather during this summer will be hotter than last year,” she said.

According to the Meteorological Depart-ment, the highest temperature recorded last year was 43.1°C at Sukhothai in April.

Bangkok’s hottest day saw the mercury rising to 39.8°C, also in April.

Chalalai ruled out any threat to life from the heatwave compared to countries with colder climate such as in Europe and North America.

“Thailand has a tropical climate, which is affected by the hot weather every year, so it is different from the colder countries where sometimes extraordinary hot weather can claim lives,” she explained.

“Thai people are familiar with the hot temperature, so there will be less effect on the local people. This summer, people should keep themselves cool and drink more water to prevent dehydration.”

She, however, cautioned that because of the severe drought faced by the country, people should not waste water in their attempts to keep cool. — The Nation/Asia News Network