How long will the brutal heat in Asia last?

Record heat is covering Asia, from Myanmar to the Philippines. Millions of children have had to stay out of school to avoid extreme temperatures.

According to Straits Times , heat has hit much of South and Southeast Asia with temperatures continuously breaking records in Chauk (Myanmar) and Manila (Philippines) in recent days.

Extreme heat has hit much of Asia with many countries recording temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (Photo: Bloomberg).

Thai authorities have issued warnings of 'severe' heatwave conditions while Cambodian, Myanmar, Vietnamese and Bangladeshi authorities all forecast temperatures exceeding the 40-degree mark.

According to experts, this year's heat will last longer than usual due to the El Nino phenomenon and climate change.

Which areas are affected?

Heat has hit much of South and Southeast Asia. Schools in the Philippines and Bangladesh have been temporarily suspended while Indian authorities are looking into whether the heat will affect voter turnout.

Northern Japan was also affected by the heat wave. Temperatures in the country's Sapporo province exceeded the 25-degree mark in April, recording the fastest warming record in history.

More than 70 Thai provinces saw record temperatures in April, usually the hottest month of the year, with the new high beating a record set since 1958. According to the Thailand Meteorological Department the highest temperature during the day reached 40 degrees Celsius in 25 provinces in April.

"Extreme heat in Southeast Asia: Heat waves are scorching Southeast Asia. Below are the heat levels people felt in some cities with high temperatures on April 30" - Notes in the photo. (Photo: Accuweather).

Extremely high temperatures have a particularly strong impact on children, the elderly, people with underlying health conditions and the poor.

Children, the elderly, and people with underlying medical conditions or disabilities may overheat more quickly because their immune systems are not as strong as those of healthy adults . The United Nations children's agency (UNICEF) warns that 243 million children could suffer health problems due to the May heat.

'Children exposed to high temperatures for long periods of time are susceptible to stress and frustration,' said Salwa Aleryani, UNICEF health expert in the East Asia Pacific region. 'Cardiovascular diseases, organ failure, muscle and nerve dysfunction are also more likely to occur.'

In addition, according to Straits Times , people living in poverty also have difficulty accessing cooling solutions. Most poor people are forced to work outdoors and are not protected from extreme temperatures.

The sunny season lasts longer than usual

When temperatures reach alarmingly high levels, authorities in some countries ask citizens to limit going out. Hospitals in Nepal have been placed on readiness. Meanwhile, Cambodian officials asked schools to open main doors and windows to ventilate classrooms.

In Bangladesh and the Philippines, schools were suspended for several days.

Thailand recorded the highest daily temperature reaching 40 degrees Celsius in 25 provinces in April. (Photo: Bangkok Post).

However, according to Ms. Aleryani, many children cannot escape the heat whether at home or school. 'Parents cannot take time off work because of the heat, so many children have to stay home alone in the extreme heat. This not only disrupts learning but also poses life and health risks to children ,' she commented.

According to experts, the months before the rainy season in Asia are often hot. However, temperatures in 2024 are much higher than the national average. Climate change is causing more frequent, intense and longer-lasting heat waves.

The World Meteorological Organization says Asia is warming faster than the world average. And the El Nino weather phenomenon is one of the main factors in this problem, according to Dr. Milton Speer, a meteorological researcher at the University of Technology Sydney.

'The lack of clouds during El Nino means average temperatures could be even higher ,' he told AFP . In addition, deforestation reduces shade and the urban heat island phenomenon (materials such as concrete, glass, and steel that absorb rather than reflect heat) also contributed to this year's extreme heat.

The heat in Bangladesh is not expected to subside until May 2. In Thailand, meteorologists predict that the rainy season may arrive at the end of May, a few weeks later than usual.

A rickshaw passes by a fountain during the ongoing heat wave in Dhaka, Bangladesh. (Photo: Razu/NurPhoto).

Dr. Speer said the global warming trend will continue even when the monsoon arrives and brings cold air. 'Heat waves will continue to occur because the oceans and atmosphere are warming due to increases in global temperatures ,' he said.

Adapting to extreme temperatures is very important. According to Dr. Speer, local authorities need to build more public spaces with air conditioning and allow people to go there to rest during the day and sleep at night.