Bangkok faces extreme heat alert as heat index exceeds 52°C

Bangkok is facing a critical heat warning on Monday (May 4), with the city’s heat index rising above 52°C and reaching the “extreme danger” level, according to the Environment Department of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).

The department warned residents to avoid all outdoor activities, saying the extreme heat could increase the risk of heat-related illness, including heatstroke.

Bangkok heat index reaches extreme danger level

The BMA Environment Department issued its daily forecast for Bangkok’s maximum heat index, warning that the reading had exceeded 52°C and fallen into the “extreme danger” category.

Authorities urged both the general public and vulnerable groups to avoid outdoor activities altogether. Anyone experiencing unusual symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.

The “dark red” heat warning does not apply only to outdoor workers. The BMA also urged extra caution among vulnerable groups, including young children aged 0-5, older people aged 60 and above, pregnant women, people with underlying health conditions, people with obesity, those who drink alcohol, people who work or exercise outdoors, and tourists.

Symptoms to watch for include fatigue, dizziness, skin rashes, swelling or redness of the body, cramps and, most seriously, heatstroke.

Four heat-index risk levels

The heat index refers to the temperature that the human body actually feels at a given time. It is calculated from air temperature and relative humidity, making it a more useful indicator of heat-related health risks than maximum temperature alone.

The BMA Environment Department has divided the heat-index warning system into four levels:

Caution: 27.0-32.9°C
People should follow weather warnings. Vulnerable groups are advised to drink clean water regularly.

Warning: 33.0-41.9°C
Outdoor activities should be reduced between 11am and 3pm. Vulnerable people who experience unusual symptoms should seek medical attention.

Danger: 42.0-51.9°C
People should closely monitor their condition. Vulnerable groups should see a doctor immediately if unusual symptoms occur.

Extreme danger: 52°C and above
All outdoor activities should be avoided. Anyone experiencing abnormal symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.

Where to find cooling shelters and emergency help

Bangkok residents who need to travel or seek refuge during extreme heat can search for nearby “Heat Escape Rooms” through the Greener Bangkok website: greener.bangkok.go.th/heat-escape-room.

They can also check real-time updates via the AIR BKK application.

In an emergency, or if someone loses consciousness because of the heat, people should call the 1669 emergency hotline immediately.