The Thai Ministry of Economy and Digital Economy (DES) warned that the temperature index could skyrocket to a dangerous level of 60 degrees Celsius in early April when the weather is intensely hot.
Bangkok Metropolitan Authority (BMA) said the maximum temperature index on Thursday (April 2) in Bangkok reached a "dangerous" level, raising concerns about public health.
Authorities recommend that people closely monitor abnormal signs in their bodies, while at-risk groups should be more careful and go to medical facilities immediately when symptoms appear.
Risk groups include children aged 0-5, elderly people aged 60 and over, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, obese people, alcoholics, outdoor workers, outdoor athletes and tourists.
The heat index is the "feel temperature" - that is, the level of heat that the human body actually feels - calculated based on air temperature and relative humidity. Because it reflects the combined effects of heat and humidity in the air, this is considered a more accurate measure of the risk to health due to heat than air temperature alone.
Extreme heat can affect the body both directly and indirectly, causing exhaustion, dizziness, skin rash, swelling, muscle spasms and heatstroke.
According to the official rating scale in Thailand, the temperature index from 27-03.9 degrees Celsius is classified as "Cautious Warning", people need to update weather information and risk groups should drink water regularly.
Levels from 33. 0-41. 9 degrees Celsius are classified as "Warning", functional agencies recommend reducing outdoor activities from 11am to 3pm. Risk groups within this threshold need to be examined if they start to feel unwell.
Temperatures from 42. 0-51. 9 degrees Celsius are considered "dangerous", requiring close health monitoring. Risk groups are recommended to seek immediate medical support if there are any abnormal signs.
Any level above 52.0 degrees Celsius is within the "Very Dangerous" threshold, when people and tourists should absolutely avoid outdoor activities and seek emergency medical attention if symptoms appear.
According to Accuweather, the peak of hot weather in Bangkok falls on April 14 - 17. 4. Although the actual temperature has not increased much (35-38 degrees C), the actual perceived temperature can skyrocket to 44-45 degrees C.
April 15 recorded the highest temperature in the whole period with the perceived temperature reaching 45 degrees Celsius, then maintained 44 degrees Celsius on April 14, April 16 and April 17. 4. This is the most dangerous stage, when the perceived temperature far exceeds the body's safe threshold.
Meanwhile, weather forecasts in Vietnam show that hot weather tends to increase across the country.
From April 6th onwards, widespread hot weather will cover the whole country, with the focus being the North and Central regions, with some places reaching a harsh threshold exceeding 39 degrees Celsius. The Central Highlands and Southern regions will have hot weather, temperatures gradually increase but not as harsh as the North and Central regions. However, the feeling of stuffiness lasts.
Residents and tourists are advised to follow weather forecasts and update temperature readings, and avoid outdoor activities from 1 pm to 4 pm. You should drink about 8 glasses of water a day and do not wait until you feel thirsty to drink.
