Record-breaking heat waves in Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand have intensified, raising concerns among scientists due to the prolonged heatwave affecting the region.
Historic Heatwave Grips Southeast Asia, Shattering Temperature Records
A historic heatwave is currently sweeping across Southeast Asia, causing temperatures to soar and breaking numerous temperature records. The intense heatwave has forced farmers in the region to start their workdays earlier and finish before 10am to avoid the hottest hours.
The heatwave's impact has been felt far and wide, with countries such as Thailand, India, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam experiencing record-high temperatures. In Thailand, April 2023 was the second hottest month on record, with an average temperature of 31.0C, 1.4C above normal. The country also recorded its highest temperature on record during April, with the mercury climbing to a scorching 42.3C.
Similar record-high temperatures were recorded in several other cities, including Laos' Luang Prabang, Thailand's Bangkok, and Cambodia's Kratie province and Ponhea Kraek district. In Vietnam, Hoi Xuan recorded a staggering temperature of 44.1C on Monday, breaking the previous national record.
Japan has also been hit by the heatwave, with several regions recording some of their highest temperatures ever. Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day and take precautions to stay cool.
The western Mediterranean regions, including Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and Algeria, have been battling record-shattering temperatures last week. Scientists have stated that these temperatures are "almost impossible" without climate change.
Climate scientists have warned that heatwaves are going to become more frequent and intense as climate change accelerates. The UN warned in a report published late last year that the world is already on track to warm well above 2C. Global temperatures are currently at least 1.1C higher compared to pre-industrial levels, and greenhouse gas emissions are at an all-time high of 424.26 ppm.
Maximiliano Herrera, a climatologist and weather historian, described the current heatwave in Asia as the "worst April heatwave" ever experienced by the continent. The heatwave in the western Mediterranean regions should only have about a 1-in-400 chance of occurring each year, according to World Weather Attribution.
Asia had its second-warmest March on record this year, with a temperature of 4.08C (7.34F) above average. Hong Kong had its fourth-warmest March on record, while Pakistan had its sixth-warmest March on record. The average rainfall in April 2023 in Thailand was 39.5mm, a deficit of -56%.
Despite the intense heatwave, it is not yet clear if the current heatwave is related to a specific El Niño event. The last significant El Niño event affecting Asia occurred around 2015-2016. For 2023, global climate trends showed record warmth, but specific detailed El Niño predictions for Asia in that year are not explicitly found in the search results. Generally, El Niño events tend to happen irregularly every 2 to 7 years and can be forecasted by climate agencies using ocean and atmospheric data.
In conclusion, the current heatwave affecting Southeast Asia is unprecedented in its intensity and has shattered previous temperature records. Climate change is likely to play a significant role in the increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves, and it is crucial for authorities to take action to protect their citizens from the harmful effects of extreme heat.
