South and Southeast Asia are currently enduring an unyielding heatwave, with extreme temperatures causing authorities to issue health warnings and residents seeking relief in air-conditioned places.
Over the past week, the region has been hit by scorching weather, with temperatures soaring to as high as 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit), resulting in the closure of thousands of schools as a precautionary measure.
The Philippines recently declared a two-day suspension of in-person classes at public schools following a record-breaking day of heat in the capital city of Manila.
In Thailand, where the death toll from heat-related illnesses has reached at least 30 this year, the meteorological department has cautioned of “severe conditions” after temperatures in a northern province surpassed 44.1 degrees Celsius (111.4 degrees Fahrenheit) on Saturday.
Forecasters in Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, India, and Bangladesh have highlighted the likelihood of temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in the upcoming days, exposing residents to scorching heat and oppressive humidity.
A cashier in Myanmar’s Yangon named San Yin expressed her concerns about the heatstroke risk, mentioning that she and her family seek refuge in a park at night to escape the stifling heat in their apartment.
The United Nations weather and climate agency reported that global temperatures hit record levels last year, with Asia experiencing rapid warming. Extensive scientific studies have linked these heatwaves to climate change, indicating a trend of longer, more frequent, and more intense periods of extreme heat.
