A severe heatwave has struck Southeast Asia, leading to the closure of thousands of schools in the Philippines due to extreme heat, while prolonged dry weather in Indonesia has driven up rice prices. In Thailand, water temperatures have soared, endangering coral reefs.
Climatologist Maximiliano Herrera describes the situation as a “historic heatwave.” Temperatures in early April broke records across the region, with 44°C recorded in Minbu, Myanmar, marking the earliest such high temperature in Southeast Asia.
Other records include 40.2°C in Hat Yai, Thailand, and 40.6°C in Yên Châu, Vietnam. The World Meteorological Organization attributes these extreme conditions to human-induced climate change and the El Niño phenomenon, which brings hotter, drier weather.
Rising temperatures in Thailand’s waters endanger coral reefs and fish, sparking environmental concerns.Professor Benjamin Horton from the Earth Observatory of Singapore highlighted the unexpected speed of these climate changes, stating that most regions are unprepared for such extreme heat.
In the Philippines, nearly 4,000 schools suspended in-person classes as temperatures exceeded 42°C, with students and teachers struggling in poorly ventilated classrooms. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers has urged the government to adjust school schedules to avoid the hottest months and improve classroom conditions.
Agriculture is also suffering, with Indonesia’s rice prices rising by over 16% in February due to prolonged dry spells. In Vietnam, low water levels have hampered crop transportation, while Thailand faces increased farmer debt due to reduced crop yields.
The heat has further impacted marine life, with Thailand’s waters warming to dangerous levels, threatening coral reefs and fish farms. Authorities in the region are urging preparedness for these ongoing and worsening conditions.