Large parts of Southeast Asia have been experiencing an unusually strong heat wave for weeks. An emerging El Niño phase would be responsible for this. Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines are currently particularly affected. The “brutal heat” should be seen as an “ominous sign” for summer in the northern hemisphere and is “a warning to the world,” it said.
Vietnam recorded the country’s highest temperature ever recorded at 44.1 degrees over the weekend in central Thanh Hoa province, according to the National Weather Service. The previous record dates from 2019 and was 43.3 degrees. But the mercury column also climbed above 40 degrees in other parts of the country. Authorities warned of power cuts due to network overload.
“We notice that the heat has come early this year and is worse than in previous years,” weather bureau chief Nguyen Van Huong told Voice of Vietnam. The scorching heat is expected to last until August and will intensify by then.
Temperatures above 40 degrees for days
In many parts of Thailand, the temperature has been fluctuating around 40 degrees for days. Experts fear a drought that could last for several years. Both locals and tourists tried to protect themselves with umbrellas and sun hats. “It’s almost unbearable in the sun, it feels like 50 degrees,” said a German tourist in Bangkok. “It’s really intense.”
In the Philippines, too, authorities warned people of health problems if they stayed outside longer. The heat wave has been underway in the island nation since early March. In mid-April, maximum temperatures of 49 degrees were measured in the province of Eastern Samar. The Ministry of Education allowed schools to shorten classes or hold classes online. In recent weeks, more than 100 students have been hospitalized for exhaustion from overheating, the ministry said.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
