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Bangkok Keeps 300 Cooling Centers Open as Heat Index Nears 52°C

High humidity with a late monsoon keeps hot air trapped in the city, driving dangerous heat stress.

Overview

  • City data show the heat index has held at a critical 42–52°C range since April 1, with Bangkok hardest hit.
  • The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is running more than 300 free cooling centers in libraries, schools, clinics, and government offices.
  • Officials say the network focuses on low-income neighborhoods without home air conditioning, with a goal that most residents can reach a site within 15 minutes.
  • Health authorities urge people to avoid direct sun during midday and to watch for dizziness, exhaustion, or heat cramps.
  • Relative humidity above 70 percent, a delayed monsoon, and weak winds trap hot, humid air between buildings, making it feel far hotter than the air temperature.