2025-01-16
Published: January 16, 2025
This weekend brings varying air quality and weather conditions across Thailand. While Chiang Rai and Bangkok are experiencing higher levels of air pollution, Phuket remains favorable with cleaner air.
Chiang Rai: Deteriorating air quality and stable temperatures
- Friday: AQI 95 – Unhealthy for sensitive groups, highest temperature 27°C, lowest 12°C.
- Saturday: AQI 94 – Unhealthy for sensitive groups, highest temperature 29°C, lowest 13°C.
- Sunday: AQI 96 – Unhealthy for sensitive groups, highest temperature 30°C, lowest 13°C.
Comment: Air pollution in Chiang Rai remains high, affecting mainly sensitive groups. Residents should avoid prolonged outdoor exposure, especially in the morning. Compared to last weekend, air quality is slightly worse, which may be due to an increase in fires in nearby areas.
Bangkok: Deteriorating air quality and warmer weather
- Friday: AQI 103 – Unhealthy, highest temperature 31°C, lowest 23°C.
- Saturday: AQI 111 – Unhealthy, highest temperature 32°C, lowest 23°C.
- Sunday: AQI 92 – Moderate air quality, highest temperature 33°C, lowest 23°C.
Comment: Traffic and industry are negatively affecting Bangkok's air quality this weekend. Saturday in particular is problematic with high PM2.5 levels. Compared to last weekend, the AQI has risen significantly on Friday and Saturday, which may indicate that weather conditions are no longer helping to disperse the pollutants as effectively.
Phuket: Stable air quality with some rain
- Friday: AQI 61 – Moderate air quality, highest temperature 29°C, lowest 25°C.
- Saturday: AQI 65 – Moderate air quality, highest temperature 27°C, lowest 25°C.
- Sunday: AQI 67 – Moderate air quality, highest temperature 29°C, lowest 25°C.
Comment: Sea breezes are helping to keep air pollution levels low in Phuket. Rain is expected over the weekend, further improving conditions. Compared to last weekend, the AQI is slightly higher, but still within safe levels for most people.
Summary and recommendations
- Chiang Rai: Minimize outdoor activities and wear face masks.
- Bangkok: Keep windows closed and avoid outdoor exercise.
- Phuket: Good air quality but follow forecasts for rain.
Trend: Air quality in both Chiang Rai and Bangkok shows a deterioration compared to last weekend, while Phuket continues to be stable with good conditions.
What does AQI mean?
- AQI (Air Quality Index): An index that shows how healthy or unhealthy the air is. The higher the value, the worse the air quality. Values above 100 can negatively affect sensitive groups.
Source: Air quality data is taken from IQ Air.
Text: The editorial staff
Image license: jplenio, Pixabay, original image