The normal weather in Thailand is classified as hot and humid, with a long monsoon season.
Thailand has three official seasons – hot, cool, and wet.
The hot season runs from March through to June, with April and May the hottest months of the year.
Thailand’s climate is subtropical throughout most of the country, leading the weather in Thailand to year-round hot and humid conditions.
During the hottest months of the year, temperatures regularly top 40° C (105° F).
Even during the cooler “winter” season, you can expect daily highs to be around 30° C (86° F).
Unusually hot
We are now in the hottest month and April and the average over the past seven days has reached 32°celius C or 89.9 Fahrenheit.
Driving around town last week, my car’s temperate gauged regularly showed 44 celsius.
The air conditioning was struggling to cope!
This year, the rise in global temperature will be reflected in the upcoming extreme local weather.
Extraordinary scorching heat in the summer is forecasted by climate experts in Thailand, with some parts in the North expected to experience temperatures of up to 42-43 degrees Celsius.
Thailand is also predicted to suffer the hottest temperature among Asean countries.
Health concerns
As such, there are raised concerns on the health implication imposed by the heat, ranging from mild heat rashes to deadly heatstroke.
Therefore making a few adjustments to your daily routine can help you avoid unnecessary heat complications while still enjoying the sun.
This is especially important for the city dwellers in Bangkok, which is already affected by the ‘urban heat island effect’.
As the urban area is more densely populated and constructed, heat trapped inside the city contributes to higher temperatures compared to the surrounding or rural area.
If possible, plan your outside and active activities well; i.e early in the morning or late in the evening.
As you probably spend more time indoors during the working days, plan your weekend to avoid excessive sun exposure also.
If the temperature is unbearably hot, keep yourself indoors.
If you are on an outdoor trip, always look for shade and cool off as much as possible before completing your journey instead of rushing to your destination.
Aside from the heat, take preventive measure to protect your health from the air pollution in Thailand.
Although the air pollution level varies seasonally, it tends to be at its highest on hot, sunny days and cleaner after rainy or windy weather.
If you are planning to exercise, avoid rush hour in busy traffic areas.
Make use of parks, public spaces and keep a healthy distance from the road.
Keep hydrated
Make sure you drink an adequate amount of water daily to keep you hydrated.
Bring your own water supply when you are heading outside.
Plain water should be the best choice as alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated drinks can act as a diuretic that leads to dehydration or slows the hydration process.
Be more vigilant on the signs and symptoms of dehydration such as dark urine, headaches, muscle cramps and fatigue.
Keep Your Body Cool
Place some ice in a bowl in front of your fan.
The breeze will pick up cold water from the ice’s surface as it melts, creating a cooling mist.
You can also bring some wet towels with you when heading outside.
Soak it in cool water, wring it out, then wear it on the back of your neck.
It will not only keep your skin nice and cool but also reduce water evaporation on your skin so you don’t have to sweat as much.
Avoid using handheld electric fans especially if the temperature outside is more than 35 degrees Celsius.
Fans create airflow and a false sense of comfort, but they don’t do anything to actually reduce your body temperature.
Instead of a fan, carry a misting bottle (not a spray bottle) outside to help you cool off.
Stay cool!
(Source: – Asean Now)