April is usually the hottest month of the year in Thailand, with the whole country experiencing high to very high temperatures. Today is no exception, with highs forecast to reach 42oC in some northern and central provinces, according to the Meteorological Department’s weather forecast.
Low pressure, which is covering the northern and north-eastern regions of the country, is the cause of the hot weather, including in and around Bangkok, with hazy skies during the day.
The Weatherman warns, however, of possible summer storms in north-eastern, eastern and southern-central provinces due to the southerly and south-easterly winds. Isolated thunder storms are forecast in the south and over the Andaman Sea.
In the southern-central region, which includes Bangkok, maximum temperatures today are forecast to be between 38oC and 42oC, with minimum temperatures ranging from 24oC- 27oC. In the north, the heat is expected to rise to 42oC in some areas while, in north-eastern and eastern provinces, maximum temperature is forecast to be 40oC.
The east coast of the southern region will be hot during the day, with a maximum temperature of 38oC, but there is a 30% chance of rain.
Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were 41oC in Muang district of Lampang, 40.5oC in Muang district of Suphan Buri and 40oC in the Khlong Luang district of Pathum Thani province.
In the central province of Chainat where temperatures soared to 41oC s on Sunday, many people in Sapphaya district flocked to a temporary water park in front of Wat Sakae to escape the hot weather.
The temple and residents in the neighbourhood joined forces to transform the sand bar and sandy beach along the Chao Phraya River into an ad-hoc water park. Stilt shelters were built in the river to cater to tourists, with food and drink available.
A home-made slide was also built for the children and a beach volley ball court is available on the beach. This temporary water park is open daily from 9am until 7pm.
The district’s municipal administration plans to stage Songkran festival events at the site to attract more tourists.
