South and Southeast Asia are currently facing a wave of extreme heat, with temperatures soaring to record highs and forcing authorities to issue health warnings. The scorching weather has prompted residents to seek refuge in parks and air-conditioned malls to escape the oppressive heat.
In the Philippines, the capital city of Manila experienced its highest temperature ever recorded, reaching a sweltering 38.8 degrees Celsius (101.8 degrees Fahrenheit) on Saturday. The heat index, which factors in humidity to determine what the temperature feels like, soared to 45 degrees Celsius, prompting the suspension of in-person classes at all public schools for two days.
Thailand has also been grappling with severe conditions, with at least 30 people succumbing to heatstroke this year. The northern province of Thailand recorded temperatures exceeding 44.1 degrees Celsius (111.4 degrees Fahrenheit) on Saturday, leading the meteorological department to issue warnings of extreme heat.
In neighboring countries like Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, India, and Bangladesh, forecasters have cautioned that temperatures could surpass 40 degrees Celsius in the coming days. Residents in these countries have been enduring scorching heat and stifling humidity, with many seeking respite in parks and other cool spots during the night.
The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident, with global temperatures hitting record highs last year. The United Nations weather and climate agency highlighted that Asia is warming at a rapid pace, leading to longer, more frequent, and more intense heatwaves.
In Myanmar, temperatures have been 3-4 degrees Celsius higher than the April average, with forecasts predicting a rise to 43 degrees Celsius in the central city of Mandalay. Similarly, Cambodia and Vietnam are bracing for temperatures as high as 43 degrees Celsius in the week ahead, while India continues to battle severe heatwave conditions with temperatures soaring to 44 degrees Celsius in some regions.
The impact of the heatwave is being felt across various sectors, including education and healthcare. Schools in the Philippines, where many lack air-conditioning, have been forced to suspend in-person classes due to the extreme heat. In India, where millions of voters queued up in searing temperatures for the ongoing general election, the election commission has formed a task force to address the impact of heatwaves on voters.
As the heatwave persists, residents are taking measures to stay cool and hydrated. Many are seeking refuge in air-conditioned malls and swimming pools, while others are adjusting their daily routines to avoid the peak hours of intense heat. The situation is further exacerbated by the El Nino weather phenomenon, which is contributing to the unusually hot and dry conditions in the region.
With temperatures expected to remain high in the coming weeks, authorities are urging residents to take precautions and monitor their health during this period of extreme heat. As communities come together to cope with the challenges posed by the heatwave, the importance of climate action and adaptation measures becomes increasingly apparent in the face of a changing climate.