Thailand is dealing with another blistering summers, with this year’s highest temperature ever recorded for the previous 73 years.
Mae Hong Son, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Tak and Udon Thani provinces are expected to be this year’s five hottest provinces, with the mercury due to hit 44C or higher, according to the Thai Meteorological Department ( TMD).
Bangkok, however, is forecast to encounter temperature of at least 40C on April 27 when the sun’s rays hit the money from a certain position.
According to Seree Supratid, producer of Rangsit University’s Climate Change and Disaster Center, the mercury does rise by 1 to 2C in most of the nation.
The hottest spots are likely to be the mountain regions of Mae Hong Son, Dapat and Lampang, where there is considerable forest, he said, forecasting temperatures of 44.6- 44.9C.
According to Mr. Seree, the climate crisis is currently undergoing world heating.
Seree Supratid, chairman of the Climate Change and Disaster Centre at Rangsit University
WHO’S TO BLAME
According to a top TMD official, the sizzling conditions this season is a result of El Nino, which has a significant impact on a global level, including drought, heavy rainfall and new record high heat.
The official, who declined to identify himself, claimed that the weather patterns ‘ frequent swings mean the world’s climate will never be the same again.
Up until five years ago, the El Nino and La Nina phenomena would alternately occur every 2.5 years. It then shortened to become an annual occurrence, he said.
” We are unable to predict what will occur in its cycle.” However, this phenomenon has already been characterized by strange weather and unusual patterns. The official predicted that we will experience more severe drought and rainfall in the coming year as well as higher temperatures.
Mr. Seree agreed, suggesting that each El Nino’s influence could be prologued for an additional six years or an additional two in the case of La Nina.
” We cannot avoid the result of climate change, nor can we fix what’s been done in the past. We must live with it”, Mr Seree said.
He also noted that the time has now passed for signing the Paris Agreement.
196 nations agreed to limit the increase in the average temperature on earth to 1.5C during this global climate change treaty that was signed in 2016.
The ambitious goal to control the rising temperature could never be achieved, according to Mr. Seree, adding that “without cutting the use of fossil fuel, natural gas, and coal consumption by half by the year 2030, the ambitious target could never be reached.”
” The world’s average temperature will continue to climb. By 2100, we anticipate a 5-degree Celsius increase.
He claimed that if all parties involved took more serious measures to limit greenhouse gas emissions, it might contribute to a 2. 9C rise overall.
To reduce global heat, it is also crucial to increase green spaces and wetlands.
SO HOT IT HURTS
The death toll from heat stroke has increased since 2019 due to the recent high summer temperatures.
Last year, 37 cases of heat- related death were reported, according to the Public Health Ministry.
Most were farmers and outdoor labourers, 10 % of whom had chronic diseases and an history of excessing alcohol consumption.
Dr Atchara Nithiapinyasakul, chief of the Department of Health, said risky groups such as the elderly, people living with chronic diseases, those with disabilities and people with obesity should avoid the extreme and outdoor activities.
She advised them to try to avoid heatstroke and dehydration by residing in shaded areas and consuming a lot of water.
During the high heat index, however, some jobs cannot avoid exposure to the sun and inevitable heat.
Those whose jobs are associated with the sweltering heat claimed that it might have an impact on their well-being. According to experts, special concern and appropriate welfare benefits from their employers and the state should be taken into account.
Mr Sophon, a 53- year- old security guard, works at an outdoor car park of a state hospital from 6am to 4pm.
” I have worked here for five years. Over the past few years, I have noticed the weather getting hotter, especially between 11am and 1pm.
After 2 p.m., it’s still hot because of the hot emissions from the cars. The weather is hot, but the cars bring even more heat, “he said.
He claimed that he uses a balaclava to protect his skin from burning and consumes a lot of electrolytes. But the weather is now so extreme that such clothing is too uncomfortable, he said, saying he prefers sunscreen and shaded areas.
He said,” If the heat reaches a dangerous point, I think it would be better if the government could provide more welfare to outdoor workers, or more green space and shaded areas,” adding that there were not enough large trees to shield him and his fellow workers.
Mr Somchai, a 31- year- old delivery rider whose job demands he endure the sweltering heat, agreed.
He claimed to wear a suffocating uniform and ride in intense sunlight for at least five hours each day. Although the thick clothing can shield him from sunburn, it makes it difficult to breathe.
” Some days when the weather is super hot, I feel like I’m going to pass out while riding, “he said.