59 degrees Fahrenheit in Bangkok: Unexpected cold for travelers
59 degrees Fahrenheit in Bangkok: Unexpected cold for travelers
Bangkok, Thailand - tropical beaches, cold drinks by the pool and extreme heat are some of the things that are connected to Thailand. But recently a rare cold wave has caused the residents of the capital of the kingdom to attract additional layers and enjoy the cool winter breeze.
temperature values in Bangkok
The temperatures in Bangkok fell to 15.2 degrees Celsius (59.3 degrees Fahrenheit) on Monday - the lowest value that the capital has had for years. The country's weather authority warned that the cool conditions could last until mid -February.
The reaction of the residents
On the busy Silom Road in the city center of Bangkok, the locals slipped into sweaters and hoodies, some even put their hands in their pockets to keep themselves warm.
"This year is different, I can't remember the last time when it was so cold in Bangkok," said 63-year-old beverage seller Ms. Kai. "When I was a child, it was much colder and it lasted for a long time."
climate conditions in January
Typically Bangkok recorded temperatures between 23 and 33 degrees Celsius (73 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit) in January, according to the Thailand tourism authority - one reason why the city is a paradise for many tourists who want to escape the winter on the northern hemisphere.
The northern region of Thailand, known as the Thai Highland, often has cooler temperatures than the capital and in January near the city of Chiang Mai sinks to an average of 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit).
unexpected cold wave
Both Bangkok and the north of Thailand experienced unusually low temperatures this week, which, according to the Thai Meteorological Institute, were caused by a high pressure from China.
The Montage temperature has been the coldest in Bangkok since 2017, according to the meteorological institute. The lowest value of the city ever recorded was about 9.9 degrees Celsius (49 degrees Fahrenheit) on January 12, 1955, based on Data of the meteorological institute.
outlook for the coming weeks
The authority announced that the temperatures should increase from this weekend, but the cooler weather could stop all over the country until at least in mid -February.
economic effects and personal reactions
While some inhabitants hope that the unusually cool temperatures will be good for the business, others enjoy the welcome change from Bangkok's usual heat.
"I hope that benefits my business so that people will enjoy walking on Bangkok's streets," said saleswoman Kai. "Usually human traffic sinks after lunch and in the afternoon very quickly. One of the reasons for this was the heat."
The office employee Thanawat Yoyyen, 28, told CNN that she enjoyed "these short moments of winter". "It's better than nothing," she added.
mood pictures from social media
A user of the platform X noticed: "The mother Elsa brings the cold so that the people in Bangkok shiver", in allusion to the figure from Disney's animated film "The Ice Queen". Another wrote: "As cold in Bangkok this morning, I need my warm jacket. I guess most Thais will dust off their down jackets."
safety precautions for travelers and residents
travelers and residents are advised to take precautionary measures in order to keep themselves warm, and to pay attention to fire dangers that can arise from the dry and windy winter conditions.
This report was supported by Robert Shackelford from CNN.
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