The scorching heat wave hitting South and Southeast Asia has arrived early this year, claiming lives and setting records for high temperatures. With severe heat waves already causing nearly three dozen deaths in the region, schools are closing early, crops are withering, and governments are being urged to take action to mitigate the impact of climate change.
In India, temperatures soared over 110 degrees Fahrenheit in several parts of the country, prompting the India Meteorological Department to issue a “red alert” warning for states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. The heat wave has already claimed lives in states like Kerala and Odisha.
Neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar are also facing extreme heat, with temperatures reaching nearly 110 degrees and record highs of 115 degrees in some areas. The Philippines has closed thousands of schools due to drought and high temperatures, while Thailand is experiencing a dangerous heat index of 125.6 degrees in Bangkok.
Experts attribute the extreme heat to a combination of factors, including global warming, El Niño, and seasonal weather patterns. While some scientists disagree on the impact of El Niño, most agree that climate change is a major contributor to the brutal heat waves in Asia.
As temperatures continue to rise, the most vulnerable populations, including farmers and manual laborers, are at risk of suffering the most. Governments are implementing measures to prevent heat-related deaths, but the long-term solution lies in reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slow the rate of global warming. Until then, millions of people in Asia will face the difficult choice of working in dangerous conditions or going hungry during each new heat wave.