Songkran revellers brave the hot weather

On the second day of the three days of the long traditional Thai New Year yesterday, Thailand was still soaked in a festive mood even though the Meteorological Department reported that the temperature during midday was hotter than 32 degrees Celsius in every part of the country. Some provinces in the upper part of Thailand reeled in heat exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
According to the forecast for the Songkran holidays, the Weather Forecast Bureau said every region would face very hot weather yesterday. Temperature in the northern, northeastern, central and eastern regions would range from 34 to 40 degrees Celsius, while the average temperature in Bangkok and the South would be slightly cooler, but still average 32 to 38 degrees Celsius.
The highest temperature yesterday was recorded at 40.2 degrees Celsius in Nong Khai, Si Saket, Chaiyaphum and Surin provinces in the Northeast.
People, who were going outside to participate in Songkran water fights, were advised to stay cool to prevent heat stroke and avoid long exposure to the midday sun without skin protection or they could suffer sunburns.
Songkran celebration venues in major cities across the country reported an even higher turnout of people to participate in the festival, as it was apparent that playing in the water was not only fun but an efficient way to stay cool during the hot day.
Wanchai Sakudomchai, director of the Meteorological Department, forecast that today – the final day of the Songkran Festival – an approaching cold front from southern China would affect the weather in the eastern and northeastern regions, with risk of summer storms from today until next Wednesday.
As summer storms often bring intense downpours, thunder, gusty winds and hails, Wanchai urged all people residing in the affected regions to be more cautious during this week. Local people and farmers have also been told to remain prepared, as the summer storms could damage crops and properties.