On April 29, 2013, Bangkok recorded its highest temperature in recorded history, a scorching 40.8 degrees Celsius (105.4 degrees Fahrenheit). This intense heatwave was attributed to the influence of the El Niño climate phenomenon, which results in warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean.
The extreme temperatures caused significant discomfort and health risks for Bangkok's residents. The city's air quality also suffered, with high levels of particulate matter contributing to unhealthy pollution levels. The government issued advisories urging people to stay indoors as much as possible, take precautions to avoid heatstroke, and seek medical attention if experiencing heat-related symptoms.
The record-breaking heat not only affected Bangkok but also other parts of Thailand and Southeast Asia. Several other cities in the region experienced unusually high temperatures, leading to concerns about the potential for more frequent and severe heatwaves due to climate change.