Monitoring of "extreme heat" predicts that in 2026 the severity will increase during April-May. "Heat Index" It may reach warning to very dangerous levels, with temperatures between 33.0 and 52.0 degrees Celsius.
On 18 March 2026, Ms. Airin Panrit, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, stated that the current extreme heat in Thailand is affecting the health and quality of life of the people. The Meteorological Department is monitoring the Heat Index, which reflects the "felt" temperature or how hot it actually feels to the body. This index indicates the risk level the body may face from heat, calculated from temperature and relative humidity, differing from the general temperature measurement that only records air heat or coldness. Last year, Thailand experienced a maximum Heat Index of 59.5 degrees Celsius, with 21 heat-related deaths recorded.
For 2026, the heat situation is expected to be more severe than last year, with the Heat Index possibly reaching warning levels (33.0 – 41.9 °C) up to very dangerous levels (greater than or equal to 52.0 °C) during April and May, especially in the northern, northeastern, and central regions.
This may cause heat-related illnesses such as rashes, cramps, heat exhaustion, heat fatigue, and heat stroke, which is the most severe and can be fatal.The government recommendsthat the public, especially the elderly, young children, pregnant women, patients with chronic diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, outdoor workers, obese individuals, psychiatric patients, and chronic alcoholics, take care of their health and protect themselves from heat hazards using seven methods:
1) Follow weather forecasts and Heat Index reports; avoid outdoor activities during extreme heat, especially between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
2) Drink at least 6–8 glasses of clean water daily without waiting to feel thirsty.
3) Avoid alcohol and high-sugar beverages such as sweetened drinks and sodas.
4) Wear breathable clothing, hats, and use umbrellas for sun protection.
5) Those taking certain medications, such as antihypertensives, decongestants, diuretics, or psychiatric drugs, should monitor themselves carefully as these medicines may affect the body's temperature regulation.
6) People working or exercising outdoors should do so in groups to help observe any abnormal symptoms.
7) The elderly should drink water frequently, rest adequately, stay in well-ventilated places, and avoid being outdoors during extreme heat.
If someone shows abnormal symptoms such as hot red skin, rapid and strong pulse, headache, dizziness, confusion, incoherent speech, drowsiness, or unconsciousness, provide first aid by applying cold wet cloths or ice packs to the neck, armpits, and groin to quickly reduce body temperature, then immediately take them to the hospital or call the emergency hotline 1669.
Meanwhile, Bangkok announced a Heat Index warning for Wednesday, 18 March 2026, indicating a "warning" level.
Air quality situation reports can be followed on the websiteairbkk.comand the AirBKK application.
Information from the Facebook page of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.