ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – A heat wave has hit a number of countries in the Asian region.
In Southeast Asia and South Asia, the heat wave in the last week almost reached 45 degrees Celsius. This condition resulted in schools being forced to close and authorities issuing health warnings.
From the Philippines to Thailand and from India to Bangladesh, weather agencies warned that temperatures could reach 40 degrees Celsius in the next few days.
In the Philippines, the extreme weather is expected to last until mid-May after temperatures hit a record high of 38.8C in Manila on Saturday.
In Bangladesh, schools in five districts, including the capital Dhaka, stopped teaching and learning activities due to the heat wave.
The decision was taken after the local meteorological agency extended its heat warning for 72 hours starting Sunday. The warning predicts no rain or drop in temperature in the next three days.
Meanwhile, local media Ekkator TV reported that at least eight people, including two school teachers, died on the first day of school on Monday in six districts, including Dhaka.
A heat wave hit Bangladesh for 29 consecutive days until Monday, making it the longest heat wave in history since 1948, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.
The temperature in Dhaka on Monday reached 39C, while the highest temperature of the season was 42.7C, recorded in Chuadanga district on Friday.
Another country that is also experiencing a heat wave is Thailand. The country’s meteorologists issued a “severe weather” warning after temperatures crossed 44.1C a province on Saturday.
So far this year, a heat wave has killed 30 people in Thailand.
Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam also issued warnings that temperatures could reach 40C in the next few days.
Global temperatures reached record highs last year. The UN weather and climate agency says Asia is warming very quickly. (ATN)
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