Thailand is bracing for a hotter summer this year, with the Meteorological Department projecting a one-degree Celsius increase in average temperature over last year.
The North has already had the warmest weather this week, with temperatures reaching 41.5 degrees Celsius, according to Director-General Chomparee Chompurat. This hotter-than-usual weather pattern is expected to continue across most of upper Thailand through the end of March.
Thailand’s summer season is projected to persist until mid-May. Peak temperatures in Bangkok and its neighboring provinces are expected to be in the 38-39?C range.
Chomparee did notice, however, that Thailand’s chilly season this year lasted two weeks longer than usual. The chilly season, which usually ends in mid-February, ended earlier this month, thanks in part to cold fronts coming south from China.
The meteorological office has recommended residents in upper Thailand to take measures and avoid spending extended amounts of time outside to avoid heat stroke and other heat-related ailments.
Keeping hydrated by drinking enough of water, wearing lightweight and light-colored clothes, and avoiding being outside during the warmest times of day are all suggested precautions to take during the hotter summer months.