April could see record heat in the North and Northeast

Climatological Centre director Chalalai Jamphon yesterday revealed that this summer would be hotter than the previous year. The average high temperature in April will be 43 to 44 degrees Celsius, within range of the record 44.5 degree Celsius recorded in 1960.

“As per our prediction, the southerly and southwesterly winds would cover all areas of Thailand and result in hot weather during day time, especially in the North and Northeast. The mean temperature in March is around 40 to 41 degrees Celsius, but many areas have encountered weather hotter than 40 degrees Celsius already,” Chalalai clarified.

She said the weather will become hotter in April, as the mean temperature for the North and Northeast will rise to around 43 to 44 degrees Celsius and there is the possibility of the highest temperature ever recorded in Thailand – 44.5 degrees Celsius in Uttaradit in April 1960 – being surpassed.

 

‘Hotter summer this year’

“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 Department, the highest temperature recorded last year was 43.1 degrees Celsius at Sukhothai |in April. Bangkok’s hottest |day saw the mercury rising to 39.8 degrees Celsius, also in April.

Chalalai ruled out any threat to life from the heat wave 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.