The Thai Meteorological Department has warned of hot to extremely hot conditions across Thailand from April 4–9, 2026, with temperatures reaching up to 42°C, accompanied by hazy skies and isolated thunderstorms.
Key Points
- Temperatures in upper Thailand (North, Northeast, Central, Bangkok) are expected to reach 36–42°C during the day, driven by a heat-induced low-pressure system.
- Hazy conditions are forecast across most regions during the day, with residents in the North, Northeast, and upper Central regions advised to wear N95 masks outdoors.
- Thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected in scattered areas despite the extreme heat, with some rainfall (10–20% coverage) forecast from April 7–9.
- Bangkok temperatures will range from 26–28°C at night to 35–41°C during the day, with southerly winds at 10–15 km/h.
- Southern Thailand will see isolated thunderstorms with wave heights around one metre, rising higher during storms.
- Mariners have been advised to avoid sailing in storm-affected areas of the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea.
- Residents are urged to avoid prolonged outdoor activities due to health risks from the extreme heat.
Why It Matters
The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a heat warning from today until April 9. Many areas in Thailand could see temperatures exceed 42°C, along with hazy skies during the day.
Upper Thailand will be affected by a heat-induced low-pressure system, resulting in widespread high temperatures and reduced visibility. Weak southerly and westerly winds are also contributing to unstable weather, leading to potential thunderstorms and gusty winds in certain areas.
The combination of record-level heat, poor air quality from haze, and unpredictable storms poses significant health and safety risks across Thailand as the country moves deeper into its hot season.
Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to heat-related illnesses, while deteriorating air quality contributes to respiratory issues, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions. Additionally, the unpredictability of storms raises concerns about sudden flooding, property damage, and disruptions to daily life, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and sustainable environmental policies to mitigate these growing risks.
