Asia is in the grip of an unprecedented heatwave, with countries such as Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand experiencing record-breaking temperatures of over 44 degrees Celsius. Climate experts warn that this could be just the beginning of a new normal, as global temperatures continue to rise due to climate change.
On May 6th, the town of Hoi An in Vietnam recorded a temperature of 44.1 degrees Celsius, breaking the previous record of 43.4 degrees Celsius set in 2019. Laos also recorded its highest temperature ever on the same day, with a reading of 43.5 degrees Celsius.
According to climate change specialist Nguyen Huu Ninh, “These new records will likely be broken again in the future.”
Thailand is also experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in most cities. The humidity has made it feel like over 50 degrees Celsius, causing widespread discomfort and health issues.
Bangladesh also experienced its highest temperature since 1965 on April 16th, with a reading of 40.6 degrees Celsius.
Climate experts attribute the extreme heat to global warming and the El Niño weather phenomenon, which have intensified the already hot and humid conditions in Southeast Asia. The heatwave is expected to continue until later this week when strong winds and heavy rain are forecasted to break the spell of hot weather.
Spain, which suffered from heatwaves of over 46 degrees Celsius last year, is also experiencing unusually hot and dry weather this year. However, the country’s weather is characterized by dry heat, unlike the hot and humid conditions in Southeast Asian countries.
In April, most regions in Spain were more than three degrees Celsius hotter than usual, and some areas received less than 10% of the average rainfall. This trend is expected to continue in May, with dry and hot weather predicted for much of the country.
As climate change continues to impact the world, experts warn that more extreme weather events like these heatwaves are likely to become more frequent and severe. Governments and individuals must take urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of global warming.
