Recent weeks have seen extreme heat affect south and south-east Asia, resulting in fatalities, educational disruptions, and agricultural damage. The Philippines and Bangladesh closed schools last month due to the heat, with health advisories issued across the region. In Thailand, heatstroke has claimed at least 30 lives since the year's start. The heat has led to unusual phenomena such as durian fruit bursting in Thailand.
Record-breaking temperatures have been observed, with Bangladesh experiencing its hottest April, featuring daily maximums up to 8C above the average. Myanmar recorded a peak of 48.2C in Chauk, the highest April temperature on record. Vietnam saw record highs at 102 weather stations, with some areas reporting temperatures up to 4C above last year's. Kolkata, India, also recorded a high of 43C, the hottest April day since 1954.
Dr. Roxy Mathew Koll highlights the increasing frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves, indicating a worsening trend. The need for adaptive governmental policies, such as guidelines for school closures and worker protection, was emphasized.
Source - https://www.freshplaza.com
