Bangkok: Thailand is set to face a period of extreme heat and significant air pollution from April 11 to April 16, prompting authorities to issue a health advisory for the public.

According to Thai News Agency, the northern regions of Thailand are experiencing generally hot weather, with specific areas enduring extremely hot conditions accompanied by hazy skies. This is attributed to a low-pressure system caused by heat covering the upper part of the country. Residents are advised to stay indoors as much as possible and avoid prolonged outdoor activities to protect their health from the scorching temperatures.

In the southern region, the weather is predicted to be hot during the day, with scattered thunderstorms due to westerly winds affecting the Andaman Sea, southern Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. The public should remain vigilant for potential thunderstorms and strong winds that may arise in certain locations.

The northern, northeastern, and upper central regions are currently grappling with excessive levels of particulate matter or haze. This pollution results from numerous hotspots in the northern areas, which exceed the region's ventilation capacity. Citizens are encouraged to limit outdoor exposure and use N95 masks when necessary.

From April 11 to 16, a low-pressure system will continue to cause hot to very hot weather and hazy conditions across Thailand, with scattered thunderstorms due to weak southwesterly winds. As a high-pressure system from China moves in from April 16 to 17, upper Thailand will encounter thunderstorms with gusty winds, hail, and possible lightning.

In the southern areas, scattered thunderstorms and daytime heat are expected, driven by westerly winds. Meanwhile, wave conditions in both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea will remain weak.

Authorities urge the public to take precautions against the extreme weather, advising against extended outdoor activities and cautioning about potential thunderstorms and strong winds. Sailors are specifically advised to avoid areas with thunderstorms. Additionally, during April 16-17, residents in upper Thailand should be wary of summer storms and avoid vulnerable areas like open fields and unstable structures. Farmers are advised to secure fruit trees and prepare to protect their crops and livestock.

In a separate update, three earthquakes were recorded between April 10 and 11, with epicenters in Myanmar, the Nicobar Islands, and Yunnan Province, China. However, these seismic events had no impact on Thailand.