Thailand is experiencing very hot weather across the country today, with the maximum temperature predicted to rise to 43^oC in some areas of the northern region, according to the Meteorological Department.

Rain is forecast in the extreme south with isolated heavy showers due to the westerly and north-westerly winds blowing over the Andaman Sea and the southern region, with easterly and south-easterly winds over the southern part of the Gulf.

Maximum temperatures in the northern provinces today are forecast too range from 38^oC to 43^oC, while the north-eastern region is expected to peak at 41^oC.

The central region is also hot, with maximum temperatures varying from 39^oC to 42^oC. In Bangkok, the maximum temperature is predicted to reach 41^oC.

Maximum temperatures in the eastern region are forecast to vary from 35^oC to 41^oC.

Thoen district of Lampang recorded the highest temperature, at 43^oC, on Sunday, followed by Khor sub-district in Surin, 42.8^oC, 41.5^oC in Muang district of Kanchanaburi, 40.9^oC in Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kaew and 40.5^oC in Bangkok and Khlong Luang district of Pathum Thani.

Meanwhile, the Marine and Coastal Resources Department reported that spot check of coral bleaching and sea temperatures found that one percent of the corals surveyed is bleaching.

Coral reefs around Nu and Maew islands off Songkhla province being monitored for possible bleaching, as sea temperatures there were measured at 30.95^oC on April 18 and 19, which is about 1.56 degrees than in March.