Thailand will enter its hot season on Sunday. Summer storms could start right away and temperatures in some northern provinces may reach a peak above 42 degrees Celsius.
The Meteorological Department said summer storms as well as hailstorms will be possible in the upper half of Thailand from Monday to Wednesday.
Extreme heat could occur from mid-March to April and temperatures might exceed 42C in the northern provinces of Lampang, Mae Hong Son and Tak, which would be hotter than last year. The hot season is expected to last until mid-May.
The highest official temperature recorded over the past 75 years was 44.6C in Muang district of Mae Hong Son on April 28, 2016, and again in Muang district of Tak in 2023. Last year the peak was 42.3C in Muang district of Mae Hong Son.
There will be a higher heat stroke risk during April and May when the “apparent temperature” could be much higher than factual readings on thermometers because of humidity. Heat index or “feels like” readings in Thailand have been as high as 54C.
Rainfall this year will be close to the average but there are some signs of a slight drought in the North, the Central Plains and the East, the department said.
