Intense Heatwave Sweeps Through Southeast Asia with Prolonged Stay Ahead

The risk of climate-related illnesses in Malaysia was emphasized by the tragic death of a toddler due to extreme heat. Vietnam also faced a crisis as abnormally high temperatures dried up rice fields in the south, leading to a state of emergency declaration. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, soaring daily temperatures above 107 degrees Fahrenheit (42 degrees Celsius) forced hundreds of schools to suspend classes.

Southeast Asia is experiencing sweltering heat once again, highlighting the region's vulnerability to climate change. Scientists have cautioned that this trend is likely to continue in the foreseeable future.

The region, home to over 675 million people in 11 countries, has experienced record-breaking temperatures, according to climatologist Maximiliano Herrera speaking to CNN.

Thailand has been the most severely affected, with continuous record-breaking temperatures for 13 months, accompanied by relentless heat and humidity, as highlighted by Herrera.

"We thought last year's temperatures were tough to handle, but what we're experiencing this year is even worse. In Bangkok, the temperature won't go below 30 degrees Celsius, even at night, for the remainder of April," Herrera shared with CNN.

"It's clear that this trend is here to stay. The area needs to get ready for extreme heat throughout April and a big part of May."

As Thailand transitioned into its yearly dry season on April 3, Bangkok experienced scorching temperatures reaching about 109 degrees Fahrenheit. This extreme heat led many residents to seek refuge indoors, enjoying the cool comfort of air conditioning.

ATLANTIC OCEAN - SEPTEMBER 8: In this NOAA image taken by the GOES satellite, Hurricane Lee crosses the Atlantic Ocean as it moves west on September 8, 2023. Lee reached Category 5, but then weakened slightly to Category 4 as it expected to be a dangerous storm as it moves over the southwest Atlantic. It is too early to know if it will directly affect the United States. (Photo by NOAA via Getty Images)

In this NOAA image captured by the GOES satellite on September 8, 2023, Hurricane Lee can be seen crossing the Atlantic Ocean as it heads west. The hurricane had reached Category 5 status, but has since weakened slightly to a Category 4. It is predicted to remain a dangerous storm as it continues its path over the southwest Atlantic. It is still uncertain whether the United States will be directly impacted by the hurricane. The image was provided by NOAA and Getty Images.

Related article

Global ocean heat has hit a new record every single day for the last year

In nearby Vietnam, the heat wave has caused severe droughts in the southern region. Temperatures have soared to almost 104 degrees Fahrenheit, causing significant damage to the country's important agriculture sector. Vietnam is a major global rice supplier, and the lack of rainfall is a major concern for farmers in the Mekong delta area.

Local media in Vietnam have reported that rice fields and rivers have dried up due to the prolonged dry spell. Farmers are facing difficulties as their crops suffer from the lack of essential rainwater.

In 2023, there were record heat waves that led to severe power outages in multiple cities. Vietnamese meteorologists have linked this prolonged dry spell to El Niño, a climate pattern that starts in the Pacific Ocean near the equator and impacts global weather patterns.

While these natural changes occur, the world is also experiencing an increase in extreme heat waves, which are now becoming more common and dangerous.

A resident attempts to pump underground water from a dried reservoir in Vietnam's central Ninh Thuan province during a heat wave and drought on April 6, 2024.

A resident attempts to pump underground water from a dried reservoir in Vietnam's central Ninh Thuan province during a heat wave and drought on April 6, 2024.

Stringer/AFP/Getty Images

‘No definitive end’

The heat wave currently affecting Southeast Asia is causing concern due to its prolonged duration without any signs of ending. Experts have noted that average temperatures in the region have been increasing every decade since 1960.

According to researchers from the Swiss climate research group IQ Air, the ongoing heat wave is a result of a combination of factors, including human-induced climate change and the El Niño event.

IQ Air stated on April 5 that the region is experiencing record-breaking high temperatures with no clear end in sight. The duration of this heatwave will be determined by weather patterns and government mitigation strategies.

In Malaysia, one possible solution being looked at is cloud seeding. This involves injecting particles into clouds, typically done from an airplane, in order to induce rain.

Air-conditioning units dot the facade of an apartment building in Singapore's Chinatown.

Air-conditioning units dot the facade of an apartment building in Singapore's Chinatown.

Edgar Su/Reuters

Related article

This country has a strong dependence on air conditioning, which highlights a dilemma related to climate change.

The deputy defense minister, Adly Zahari, emphasized the readiness of our air assets. He also highlighted the importance of considering factors like cloud conditions and wind when conducting cloud seeding operations.

Two heat-related fatalities have been reported in the country. A 22-year-old man from the northern state of Pahang and a 3-year-old boy in neighboring Kelantan both tragically died of heatstroke, according to health officials.

In addition, officials in Sabah, a state on Borneo island, reported nearly 300 fires that began at farms, plantations, and forests during the month of February.

Climate change has made Malaysia more susceptible to extreme heat, according to Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He mentioned this during a talk in late March, following reports of heatstroke cases. "We are grateful that we have not yet experienced the highest level of extreme heat waves, but this could change at any moment."

However, some residents of the capital city, Kuala Lumpur, believe that there is still a lot of work to be done to address the impact of climate change.

University student Aidil Iman Aidid, like many Malaysians, has been struggling to cope with the intense heat, especially during the recent weeks of Ramadan. He mentioned to CNN that this year's fasting period has been particularly challenging due to the scorching weather. Staying hydrated has proven to be difficult as the hot days seem to drag on.

Aidil highlighted that they are currently facing extreme weather conditions, causing him to frequently wake up feeling thirsty and exhausted after taking short naps during the fasting hours.

He expressed the importance of governments in the region not only adapting but also establishing greater climate resilience against extreme hazards.

In Singapore, due to persistently high temperatures in recent weeks, some schools have advised students to wear cooler and looser gym gear until further notice.

Air-conditioners and air-coolers displayed for sale at a store in New Delhi, India, on Monday, May 8, 2023.

Air-conditioners and air-coolers displayed for sale at a store in New Delhi, India, on Monday, May 8, 2023.

Anindito Mukherjee/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Related article

India is facing extreme heat that is pushing the country to its limits. One solution that seems obvious is actually contributing to the problem.

According to a spokesperson from the Education Ministry, they are closely monitoring the heat and the well-being of students and staff, especially those who may be more susceptible to the impacts of high temperatures.

Hundreds of schools in the Philippines, including dozens in Manila, decided to cancel classes due to the extreme temperatures. However, watchdog groups have raised concerns about the safety of the children.

Save The Children Philippines stated that educators and local authorities have had to close down numerous schools due to the intense heat. This extreme weather condition has made it difficult for children to focus in class and has put their health in danger.

The organization emphasized the importance of immediate action to prevent global warming from exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

“Failing to do this will have dramatic consequences for children’s health, safety and wellbeing.”

Editor's P/S:

The intense heatwave sweeping Southeast Asia is a grim reminder of the devastating impacts of climate change. The tragic loss of life in Malaysia and the severe drought in Vietnam highlight the urgent need for action to mitigate the risks posed by extreme weather events. It is clear that the region is becoming increasingly vulnerable to these hazards, with record-breaking temperatures and prolonged dry spells becoming more common.

The article provides valuable insights into the human toll of climate change and the challenges faced by governments and communities in adapting to these new realities. The suspension of classes in the Philippines, the struggle to cope with the heat during Ramadan in Malaysia, and the concerns raised by watchdog groups about the safety of children underscore the need for comprehensive strategies to protect vulnerable populations. It is essential that governments prioritize climate resilience measures, such as cloud seeding and disaster preparedness plans, and work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming.