BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand entered its official hot season on 22 February 2026, with meteorologists warning of peak temperatures of up to 42–43 degrees in northern provinces and health agencies rolling out the new LifeDee app to better track heat risks.
Early summer carried record heat potential
According to the national meteorological authority, the summer of 2026 was expected to be hotter nationwide than the previous year. Northern provinces already classified as risk areas, including Mae Hong Son, Lampang and Tak, faced forecast highs of up to 43 degrees.
The warning was based not only on air temperature but also on the heat index, the perceived temperature that combines heat and humidity. This index often rose well above official readings and was described as critical for assessing health risks.
Why the heat index mattered more than the thermometer
In the context of the ongoing climate crisis and the so‑called urban heat dome in densely built‑up cities, the gap between measured and perceived temperature increased. This widened gap significantly raised the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
The heat index was therefore treated as a key parameter for health protection, because it was closer to what the human body actually experienced than the standard temperature values shown in many weather reports.
LifeDee combined satellite data and artificial intelligence
Experts at the space agency GISTDA developed the LifeDee app together with the Ministry of Public Health. The application integrated MODIS satellite data with artificial intelligence and machine learning, and merged these with readings from weather stations across the country.
The processed data in the app enabled residents to assess their individual health risks from current heat conditions more accurately. It was also designed to help people plan outdoor activities more safely.
Four colour levels signalled heat stress
LifeDee used a four‑level colour system to visualise danger based on the heat index: green for 27.0–32.9 degrees, yellow for 33.0–41.9 degrees, orange for 42.0–51.9 degrees and red for readings from 52 degrees upward. Each colour corresponded to escalating health concerns.
In the green zone, mild complaints such as fatigue, headaches, heat rash, swelling, body aches and heat cramps could already occur. The yellow range increased the risk of heat exhaustion and heat cramps and could contribute to heatstroke.
When orange or red appeared on the screen
When the heat index reached the orange level between 42.0 and 51.9 degrees, the likelihood of heat cramps rose further. The probability of heatstroke also increased significantly during prolonged exposure.
At the red level from 52 degrees upward, the app classified conditions as extreme danger. It warned of a very high risk of life‑threatening heatstroke in such situations.
LifeDee’s functions went beyond heat alerts
LifeDee presented itself as a health “super app”, offering more than heat index information alone. It featured a Heat Safety Zone that highlighted heat‑protected places and nearby parks.
The application also provided real‑time data on PM2.5 and the overall Air Quality Index (AQI). It mapped surrounding health facilities and services for people with disabilities and supplied an hourly heat index forecast to support travel and mobility planning.
Guidance for coping with extreme heat
Once the display shifted to orange or red, the responsible agencies urged users to avoid strenuous outdoor activities. They also advised people to drink sufficient clean water to stay hydrated.
Officials recommended that residents monitor heat conditions regularly through the app. LifeDee was made available free of charge for download in major app stores.