Smog Alert: Greater Bangkok Faces Week-Long Pollution Crisis
The Pollution Control Department has issued a warning that Greater Bangkok will experience severe smog conditions from Monday to Friday. This crisis is attributed to a combination of smoke from farmland fires and stagnant air over the capital and neighboring provinces.
Causes of the Smog Crisis
According to the department’s report on Sunday, there were a total of 184 hot spots detected across Thailand on Saturday. Alarmingly, approximately 140 of these hot spots were a direct result of fires burning on farmland. The smoke emanating from these agricultural areas was then carried towards the southwest by northeasterly winds.
Impact on Greater Bangkok
The upcoming week will see cold air moving into the Northeastern region of Thailand, leading to stagnant air settling over Greater Bangkok. Consequently, fine dust particles are expected to accumulate in the atmosphere over the capital city, exacerbating the already critical pollution levels.
Relief on the Horizon
Fortunately, the Pollution Control Department has projected that the air quality in Greater Bangkok will begin to improve starting from Saturday. This positive change is anticipated to occur as a result of increased air circulation, helping to disperse the pollutants and alleviate the smog crisis that has gripped the region.
In light of this impending pollution crisis, residents of Greater Bangkok are advised to take necessary precautions to safeguard their health and minimize exposure to harmful particulate matter in the air. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and working diligently to mitigate the impact of the smog on the population.
