Bangkok heatwave after floods

[STEVE G]

Heatwave hits flood-hit Thailand
http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/st ... tm?desktop

Five months after the worst floods in half a century, Thailand's capital, Bangkok, is facing a near-record heatwave with temperatures at the highest recorded in 30 years.

The daily average high in Bangkok in April was 40.1 Celsius, the Meteorological Department says.

Authorities are warning residents to be alert for heat-related ailments.

The heat coincides with drought in 50 out of Thailand's 77 provinces just months after the worst floods in more than 50 years.

Businesses are reporting surging sales of air conditioners, sun-screen and other cooling products.



Trapped heat

Critics say the heat has been exacerbated by poor urban planning in Bangkok.

They blame city workers thinning trees to accommodate electrical power lines, poorly designed buildings which trap hot air and a small number of parks for making the weather more difficult to endure.

Central Weather Forecast division Prawit Jampanya said urban planning does play a role in the heat crisis.

"Having trees does help to relieve poor air quality and urban heat traps," Mr Jampanya said.

Though a tropical city, Bangkok has fewer trees and green spaces in proportion to its population than other Asian cities.

An Asian Green City Index of 22 cities released last year by the Economist Intelligence Unit put Bangkok's green spaces at three square metres per person in the metropolitan area.

[Terry]

..............An Asian Green City Index of 22 cities released last year by the Economist Intelligence Unit put Bangkok's green spaces at three square metres per person in the metropolitan area.

I'm amazed that it is as much as that