Millions of people across South and Southeast Asia endured unusually high temperatures on Thursday, with the Thai government reporting that heatstroke has already claimed at least 30 lives this year.
A surge of extreme heat has swept through the region this week, leading to thousands of schools in the Philippines suspending in-person classes due to safety concerns.
Extreme Heat Grips South and Southeast Asia, Blamed for Dozens of Deaths
A severe heatwave has swept across South and Southeast Asia, causing widespread disruption and contributing to several deaths. The scorching temperatures have forced thousands of schools across the Philippines to suspend in-person classes and prompted the Thai government to issue heat warnings.
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An Indian minister fainted during an election campaign speech, attributing his collapse to the hot weather. The country’s weather bureau predicted severe heatwave conditions in nine eastern and southern states over the coming days, raising concerns about public health and safety.
Even mountainous Nepal is feeling the heat, with health warnings issued and hospitals placed on alert due to rising temperatures in its southern plains. Temperatures are expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius in two southern provinces, leading to an increase in cases of diarrhea, dehydration, and heat-related illnesses.
Scientific studies have demonstrated that climate change is causing heatwaves to be longer, more frequent, and more intense. The United Nations highlighted that Asia was the region most affected by climate and weather hazards in 2023, with floods and storms being the main causes of casualties and economic losses.
Bangkok authorities issued an extreme heat warning as the heat index—accounting for temperature, humidity, and wind speed—was forecasted to rise above 52 degrees Celsius. The city's environment department described the conditions as "extremely dangerous." Thailand's health ministry reported that 30 people have died from heatstroke between January 1 and April 17, compared with 37 throughout 2023.
Temperatures in Thailand's northern province of Lampang reached 44.2 degrees Celsius on Monday, just short of the national record of 44.6 degrees set last year. Across the border in Myanmar, the temperature soared to 45.9 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. The political turmoil following the 2021 military coup has led to power blackouts, further complicating people's ability to stay cool with fans and air conditioning.
April is typically the hottest time of the year in Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia, but the El Niño weather pattern has exacerbated the heat. As countries across the region continue to grapple with extreme temperatures, the need for heat-related safety measures and climate adaptation strategies becomes more pressing.
