A brutal heatwave tightens its grip across more than a dozen countries in Asia. This sort of heat is more typical in June or July. It is only the middle of April.
The world is experiencing a sweltering heatwave that has hit over a dozen countries across Asia, including Thailand, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. The situation is so severe that Thailand recorded temperatures over 45°C for the first time in history. Meanwhile, Turkmenistan set a new national April monthly heat record, with temperatures reaching 42.2°C (108°F).
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Central Asia
Central Asia is experiencing high overnight temperatures, adding to the misery of the day’s scorching heat. The heatwave is so intense that it is breaking records that were previously thought to be unbeatable. This oppressive heat is not confined to Asia alone, as North America is also experiencing impressive summer-like warmth, with temperatures hitting well into the 90s in the Northeast. In fact, Hartford, CT, tied its all-time April record.
The world is experiencing a sweltering heatwave that has hit over a dozen countries across Asia, including Thailand, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. The situation is so severe that Thailand recorded temperatures over 45°C for the first time in history. Meanwhile, Turkmenistan set a new national April monthly heat record, with temperatures reaching 42.2°C (108°F).
Southeast Asia
Thailand recorded on 4-14-2023 the highest temperature in its history at 45.4 degrees Celsius, breaking the highest Temperature ever recorded in the shade in 2016 in Mae Hong Son Province in the north: 44.6 degrees.
Southeast Asia’s tourist haven experiences scorching temperatures in April, which is considered the hottest month in the region. This year, Thailand is being hit by an unusually severe heatwave, with meteorologists estimating temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius in the sun. Due to this extreme heat, Thai authorities have issued health warnings to the public, emphasizing the importance of staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged sun exposure. The situation highlights the need for urgent action to address the impact of climate change and mitigate its effects on vulnerable regions like Southeast Asia.
On April 4, Singapore experienced its hottest day of 2023, with temperatures soaring to 35.9°C in Paya Lebar. The Straits Times reported that this maximum temperature was recorded at 2:54 pm. The heatwave has hit not only Singapore but also many other countries in Asia, further exacerbating the situation. The record-breaking temperatures are a clear indication of the impact of climate change, and immediate action is necessary to mitigate its effects.
South Asia
Other countries also recorded record maximum temperatures, including: 44.0 degrees Celsius in Pakistan, 43.5 degrees Celsius in India, 43.3 degrees Celsius in Myanmar, 41.7 degrees Celsius in Bangladesh.
India is bracing for hotter-than-usual weather in several regions through June, raising concerns over the country’s power network as people turn to air conditioning to cope with the heat waves. According to Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the director general of the India Meteorological Department, most areas of central, eastern, and northwestern states are expected to experience heat waves during the three-month summer season. This situation highlights the importance of preparing for the impact of climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions to prevent further temperature increases.
It is only the middle of April, and the world is already experiencing unprecedented temperatures that are more typical of June or July. This situation is a clear indication of the impact of climate change. As the earth continues to warm up, extreme weather events like heatwaves, droughts, and hurricanes are becoming more frequent and severe.
The world must take urgent and decisive action to combat climate change. Countries must work together to reduce their carbon footprint and transition to renewable energy sources. Failure to act now will result in devastating consequences for the planet, including rising sea levels, food and water shortages, and more frequent and severe natural disasters.
