BANGKOK, Thailand — Bangkok authorities have issued an urgent heat alert after the city’s heat index surged to a “very dangerous” level, warning residents to avoid outdoor activities due to the risk of severe heat-related illnesses, including heatstroke.
On May 3, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) announced that current weather conditions have pushed the heat index into a hazardous range, posing serious health risks to the general public, particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and people with underlying health conditions.
Officials advised residents to limit outdoor exposure as much as possible, stressing that prolonged activity under such conditions could lead to life-threatening complications.
Health authorities warned that symptoms of heat-related illness may include dizziness, fainting, nausea, extreme fatigue, and a lack of sweating despite feeling overheated. Anyone experiencing these symptoms is urged to seek immediate medical attention.
The heat index, or “feels-like” temperature, is calculated by combining air temperature and humidity levels. High humidity reduces the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating, making temperatures feel significantly hotter than what thermometers indicate.
The BMA urged the public to closely monitor weather updates and heat index reports through official channels, including the AirBKK website (airbkk.com) and the AirBKK mobile application, which provide continuous real-time environmental updates.
Authorities reiterated that precautionary measures are essential during this period of extreme heat, as the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related conditions remains high across the city.
