The Heat Index, or “feels-like temperature,” is the temperature the body actually experiences. It is calculated based on the air temperature combined with relative humidity. The Heat Index can make it feel much hotter than the actual temperature therefore, it reflects potential health risks more accurately than considering the air temperature alone.
Global warming is causing Thailand to experience more frequent and prolonged heat period. In 2024 and 2025, Bangkok experienced the max Heat Index ranged from 40.1 – 59.4 during the period from late of Feb to mid of May each year, increasing the risk of heat related illness especially heat exhaustion (pale skin, cool, sweaty) and heat stroke (hot red skin).
At Bangkok Patana School, we have developed a Heat Index Policy to ensure the safety of our students and staff in hot weather conditions. This policy has been reviewed and updated annually in accordance with guidelines from the National Oceanic and Atmos-pheric Administration (NOAA) and the Thai Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health.
Our revised policy can be accessed here.
The one-hour average reading is taken by averaging the readings from three stations:
- Sports Complex Station using Air Gradient Equipment (school equipment)
- Front Field Station using Air Gradient Equipment (school equipment)
- Back Field Station using Air Gradient Equip-ment (school equipment)
For BPS monitoring, the Sports and Activities team will check the Heat Index throughout the day. If the Heat Index reaches ‘Very Hot’ or above, an automatic email will be sent to Principals, the Sports and Activities team supervisors. They will then alert their teams to follow the guidelines.
Parents can access the one-hour heat index average reading at any time during the school day by logging into the Parents’ Gateway.