ANN/THE STRAITS TIMES – The Thai Meteorological Department said Krabi was the hottest place in Thailand with its heat index hitting 54.2 degrees Celsius (C) yesterday.
The second-hottest place in Thailand was Bangkok’s Bang Na district, where the heat index soared to 50.2 degrees C.
The other three hottest areas in the country were Phetchabun (heat index 44.3 degrees C), Chonburi (heat index 43.2 degrees C), and Nakhon Ratchasima’s Chok Chai district (heat index 41.3 degrees C).
The heat index is how hot something feels like to the human body. It is also known as apparent temperature and is determined by combining relative humidity, air temperature and wind speed. People who spend time outside in temperatures between 41 and 54 degrees C are at risk of developing muscle cramp and heatstroke, the department said.
The dangers of heatstroke during Thailand’s hot season were underlined earlier this month when politician-tycoon Chonsawat Asavahame, 54, died of the condition.
Heatstroke occurs when the body’s temperature rises above 40 degrees C.
“The body cannot even sweat at this point because blood flow to the skin stops, making it feel cold and clammy,” the BBC said.
Other symptoms include confusion, fatigue, slurred speech, loss of consciousness and seizures.
Without timely help, heatstroke can prove fatal. Sufferers should be wiped down with a cold wet cloth to cool their bodies. They should also drink plenty of water to rehydrate.
