THE PUBLIC HEALTH Ministry issued a heatstroke warning especially those driving or travelling in motorised vehicles as in addition to the hot weather they risk increased exposure to carbon monoxide, which is a toxic gas that affects the nervous system, Matichon newspaper said.
Heat also increases the risk of crashes because it can cause drivers to concentrate less effectively, react more slowly, and as a result, make more driving errors.
Dr. Amporn Benjaphonpitak, head of the Medical Services Department, said heatstroke is a condition where the body is unable to adapt or control the level of heat within the body. When the body temperature continues to rise through exposure to extremely hot weather such as by exercising or doing activities outdoors for a very long time and exceeds 40 degrees Celcius it can lead to headache, dizziness, restlessness, lethargy, confusion, convulsions, loss of consciousness, along with nausea and vomiting, in addition there could be rapid heartbeat, gasping for breath and body turning red.
A person suffering from heatstroke should be immediately rushed to the hospital, she added.
Dr. Thanin Vejchapinan, director of the Neurology Institute, said heatstroke can happen to anyone but the groups at greater risk are the elderly, young children, people with underlying medical conditions that have not been controlled and those who exercise or do manual work outdoors for a long time.
If possible, people should carry out outdoor activities early in the morning or after sunset.
People exercising outdoors or in extremely hot temperature should drink enough water and avoid drinks that cause dehydration, such as those mixed with caffeine, coffee, liquor and beer because these drinks will lead to high amounts of water being lost through urination.
Sun protection is advised including wearing clothing with good breathability and hats as well as using umbrellas.
“Being in a motorised vehicle outdoors is very dangerous. In addition to encountering hot weather it also increases the risk of exposure to carbon monoxide gas, which is a toxic gas that affects the nervous system, therefore, it should be avoided as well.
“However, heatstroke depends on the severity of the symptoms. Those who develop symptoms must receive help immediately and should be rushed to the hospital quickly to prevent damage to the brain and important organs in the body,” Dr. Thanin. said.
Meanwhile the Thai Met Department’s regional weather forecast for Feb. 28- Mar.5 is as follows:
NORTH
During Feb. 28 – Mar. 1 and Mar. 4 – 5, hot with haze during the day plus isolated thunderstorms. Minimum temperature 17 – 26 °C. and maximum temperature 34 – 39 °C. Southerly winds 10 – 15 km/hr. During Mar. 2 – 3, hot daytime with isolated gusty thunderstorms as well as hail mostly in the lower part of the region. Minimum temperature 15 – 26 °C and maximum temperature 33 – 38 °C. Southeasterly winds 10 – 15 km/hr.
NORTHEAST
During Feb. 28 – 29 and Mar. 3 – 5, hot with haze during the day plus isolated thunderstorms. Minimum temperature 20 – 26 °C and maximum temperature 34 – 38 °C. Southeasterly winds 10 – 15 km/hr. During Mar. 1 – 2 hot daytime with isolated gusty thunderstorms. Minimum temperature 18 – 24 °C and maximum temperature 32– 37 °C. Easterly winds 10 – 30 km/hr.
CENTRAL
During Feb. 28 – Mar. 1 and Mar. 4 – 5 , hot with haze during the day plus isolated thunderstorms. Minimum temperature 24 – 27 °C. and maximum temperature 35 – 39 °C. During Mar. 2 – 3 hot daytime with isolated gusty thunderstorms as well as hail. Minimum temperature 22 – 26 °C and maximum temperature 33 – 37 °C. Southeasterly winds 10 – 20 km/hr.
EAST
During Feb. 28 – 29 and Mar. 4 – 5 hot with haze during the day plus isolated thunderstorms. Minimum temperature 24 – 28 °C. and maximum temperature 33 – 38 °C. Southerly winds 10 – 30 km/hr. Wave below one metre but rising above that during thunderstorms. During Mar. 1 – 3, hot daytime with isolated gusty thunderstorms as well as hail. Minimum temperature 23 – 27 °C and maximum temperature 31 – 37 °C. Southeasterly winds 15 – 30 km/hr. Wave height about one metre but rising above that during thunderstorms.
SOUTH (East Coast)
During Feb. 28 – 29 and Mar. 1 – 3, hot during the day plus isolated and scattered thunderstorms. From Surat Thani upwards: southeasterly winds 15 – 30 km/hr and wave height about one metre but rising above that during thunderstorms. From Nakhon Si Thammarat downward: easterly winds 15 – 35 km/hr and wave height one to two metres but rising higher during thunderstorms. During Mar. 4 – 5, hot daytime with isolated thunderstorms. Easterly winds 15 – 30 km/hr and wave height about one metre but rising higher during thunderstorms. Minimum temperature 22 – 28 °C and maximum temperature 31 – 37 °C.
SOUTH (West Coast)
Hot during the day plus isolated thunderstorms throughout this period. Easterly winds 15 – 30 km/hr. Wave height about one metre but rising higher during thunderstorms. Minimum temperature 23 – 28 °C and maximum temperature 33 – 38 °C.
BANGKOK METROPOLIS
During Feb. 28– Mar. 1 and Mar. 4 – 5, hot with haze during the day plus isolated thunderstorms. Minimum temperature 25 – 28 °C and maximum temperature 33 – 38 °C. Southerly winds 10 – 15 km/hr. During Mar. 2 – 3, hot daytime with isolated gusty thunderstorms. Minimum temperature 24 – 27 °C and maximum temperature 31 – 37 °C. Southeasterly winds 10 – 20 km/hr.
CAPTIONS:
Top: Representative image of soaring temperature and driving in the summer’s heat. Photo: Matichon
Front Page: A man sweating while driving during a very hot day. Photo: Getty Images and published by BBC
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