Intense Heatwave Scorches Asia, Shattering Temperature Records, Leads to Fatalities, and Forced School Suspensions

Asia Endures Historic Heatwave

A relentless heatwave is sweeping across Asia, breaking temperature records and causing widespread discomfort. The northern province of Tak in Thailand has set a new national record with temperatures reaching an staggering 45.5°C (114F).

This extreme heatwave is not limited to Thailand. Pakistan has recorded temperatures of 44.0°C, India 43.5°C, Myanmar 43.3°C, and Bangladesh 41.7°C. China and Central Asia have also experienced unusually high temperatures during the summer season.

The heatwave has had devastating consequences. At least a dozen lives have been claimed in the Indian subcontinent, and authorities have issued health warnings and closed schools due to the extreme conditions. The Indian Ministry of Labor has even issued an advisory to ensure the safety of workers in the heat.

Climatologist and weather historian Maximiliano Herrera has described the heatwave as unprecedented. According to the World Weather Attribution, the record-breaking temperatures in Asia last year were made at least 30 times more likely by human-induced climate change.

The heatwave is not just affecting Thailand. Dhaka, Bangladesh saw its highest temperature in 63 years last Sunday, and Phong Sa Ly, Laos set an all-time temperature record for any time of the year, reaching 34.5°C (94F) on Thursday. Sayabouri, Laos, has also experienced its hottest day on record.

The heatwave spans more than 12 countries across the continent, including India and Pakistan, where the two nations battled through a record-smashing heatwave that affected more than a billion people last year.

In response to the heatwave, authorities in Thailand have issued health warnings, especially for construction workers and farmers due to the extreme heat. Schools in the states of Tripura and West Bengal in India were ordered to shut down this week due to the heatwave.

However, in recent days, no specific Southeast Asian countries have been reported to set new temperature records. Detailed records and heatwave reports primarily concern Europe, especially Scandinavia, and Germany, with no direct information on new temperature records in Southeast Asia available.

Despite the challenges posed by the heatwave, it serves as a stark reminder of the impact of climate change on our planet. As we move forward, it is crucial that we take steps to mitigate the effects of global warming and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Intense Heatwave Scorches Asia, Shattering Temperature Records, Leads to Fatalities, and Forced School Suspensions