Record Heat Temperatures Grip Asian Countries

Many parts of the world, particularly in Asian countries, are suffering from oppressive heat but lack Western news coverage.

Carbon Brief reports that Asian countries are experiencing sweltering heat. In Japan, the cherry blossoms bloomed early. The country’s iconic cherry trees displayed their flowers early in March instead of later amid record heat. Thailand is preparing for an intense heatwave, while Cambodia’s meteorological ministry issued several advisories for high temperatures that could reach 37°C.

On February 19, Perth, Australia, suffered through its hottest night on record. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that night temperatures registered 27.5°C as the state entered its fourth day of heatwave, with day temperatures reaching 47°C in some regional areas.

In India, there is a possibility that the devastating 2023 heatwave, which claimed 252 lives, could repeat this year. Forbes India reports that the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of a sweltering summer with unusually high heat wave days. In April 2024, their IMD says that above-normal heatwaves are projected in India’s southern peninsula, adjoining northwest central India, some parts of east India and northwest India.

Several days of heatwaves are detrimental to the country’s economy, causing food prices to soar and increasing public health conditions. High evaporation from the heat waves depletes reservoirs around the country, causing water stress for drinking, crops, cattle, and construction.

The Guardian reports, “Thousands of schools in the Philippines have stopped in-person classes due to unbearable heat. In Indonesia, prolonged dry weather has caused rice prices to soar. In Thailand’s waters, temperatures are so high that scientists fear coral could be destroyed.” Maximiliano Herrera, a climatologist and weather historian, calls this a “historic heatwave” experienced across Southeast Asia. Myanmar has recorded 44°C, a record temperature for the country. Thailand’s far south has been hit with a 40.2°C, and North West Vietnam recorded a 40.6 °C, an unprecedented temperature for this time of year.

In the Philippines, the Inquirer reported that eleven areas across the country recorded heat index temperatures at a “dangerous” level on April 7 reached 46°C. State meteorologists define heat index as “a human discomfort index that gives the apparent temperature on what humans perceive or feel as the temperature (from the surroundings) affecting the body.” Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) states that the heat index temperatures ranging between 42°C to 51°C are within the danger levels.

What is causing the heatwave in Asia

According to the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences forecasts, El Niño will cause land warming in 2024. Heat waves, droughts and forest fires will become more frequent. Global warming will intensify along with heat waves in oceans, ocean de-oxygenation, marine ecosystem disruptions, and continuous loss of aquatic biodiversity (Ke, 2024). These high temperatures will significantly impact crop production, making achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals such as “No Poverty” and “Zero Hunger” more challenging.

Climate change amplifies global and regional issues, testing the resilience of cities, communities, infrastructure, and humanity’s very essence. Sustained extreme climate events will strain households in underdeveloped regions and countries and even in some developed countries and urban areas.