Thailand issues extreme heat warning

Thailand’s Meteorological Department has issued strong warnings as an extreme-heat event intensifies nationwide, urging people to avoid outdoor activities amid forecasts that the heat index could reach perilous levels—officials warned it might climb as high as 60°C when humidity is factored in. Authorities said the combination of soaring temperatures and high humidity risks producing life‑threatening conditions, with heat exhaustion and heatstroke major concerns, especially for the elderly, children and those with chronic illnesses.

Health agencies recommended practical precautions: stay hydrated, seek shade or air‑conditioned spaces, limit strenuous exertion during peak heat hours, and monitor vulnerable family members. Officials are establishing public cooling centers, expanding outreach campaigns on heat safety, and placing hospitals and emergency responders on heightened alert to manage potential surges in heat‑related admissions.

The extreme heat is expected to strain infrastructure and services. Energy authorities foresee significantly higher electricity demand as residents and businesses increase air‑conditioning use, raising the risk of grid stress or outages. Agricultural officials warned of adverse impacts on crop yields and livestock health from prolonged high temperatures; farmers have been urged to implement protective measures such as irrigation scheduling, shade for animals and adjusted harvesting plans.

Meteorologists and climate experts linked the severe heat to broader warming trends, noting Southeast Asia’s growing vulnerability to intense heatwaves that are likely to become more frequent under ongoing climate change. Authorities said they will closely monitor evolving conditions and adapt warnings and response measures as needed.

The Digital Economy and Society Ministry cautioned that conditions could worsen in the coming weeks, and urged employers, schools and public institutions to consider heat‑mitigation steps, including flexible schedules, remote work, and reduced outdoor activities. Officials emphasized collective preparedness — from individual precautions to institutional contingency plans — to reduce health risks and protect critical services during this period of extreme heat.