Thailand is facing a really hot spell with temperatures hitting all-time highs in some places. Authorities say it’s going to get even hotter soon. This is likely to impact sugarcane production in the country.
In April, more than thirty areas in Thailand experienced the hottest temperatures ever recorded. This month, temperatures have gone above 40°C in 26 provinces. The highest temperature recorded so far this year is 44.2°C in the northern province of Lampang, which is close to the country’s all-time high of 44.6°C.
Because of the intense heat, Thailand’s power usage reached a new high. Health warnings have been issued as the number of deaths related to the heat has gone up to about 30 across the country.
In Bangkok, it feels even hotter due to humidity, with temperatures exceeding 52°C. The city is urging outdoor workers to cut down on their hours to avoid heatstroke. They’ve also shared videos on how to help someone who faints from the heat.
The United Nations Children’s Fund has warned that over 243 million children in East Asia and the Pacific could get sick or even die because of the hot weather this summer.
