Asia’s Unusually Sweltering April Heatwave Come Through

A scorching heatwave has enveloped much of Asia, leaving a trail of casualties and shut schools in its wake. Climatologist Maximiliano Herrera has dubbed it the “worst April heatwave in Asian history”. Temperatures in China have shattered records, with several locations reaching unprecedented highs. Chengdu, Zhejiang, Nanjing, Hangzhou, and other areas in the Yangtze River delta region witnessed record-breaking temperatures.

Southeast Asia is also reeling from the unusual heat, with places like Luang Prabang, Laos, experiencing 42.7C, the highest reliable temperature in its history. Vientiane, the capital, recorded 41.4C, the hottest day ever, while Tak in Thailand and Dhaka in Bangladesh reached 45.4C and 40C, respectively.

Experts warn that India has become particularly vulnerable to extreme heat, and this year could be even worse. The heatwave has battered some Indian states, prompting an orange warning of a severe heatwave in parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal.

Six cities in north and east India recorded temperatures above 44C, while the capital, Delhi, recorded 40.4C on Tuesday. School closures have been implemented in some states, with 13 people dying and eight receiving medical treatment due to sunstroke in Maharashtra.

In response, the Indian Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for West Bengal and Bihar, advising people to take precautions. The region’s heatwave conditions are expected to continue until at least Friday, with thunderstorm activity likely to break the spell from day five.

Government officials in West Bengal have taken measures to mitigate the impact, closing all schools in the state and urging private institutions to follow suit. Children have reported experiencing health problems, including headaches, due to the heat.

In Thailand, health warnings have been issued, warning of the risk of heatstroke for people who exercise or work outside for long hours. The high temperatures have also sparked fears that the country could experience drought and crop failure beyond its usual summer months.

Herrera noted that hundreds of stations across more than a dozen countries are breaking records, including Kalewa in Myanmar, which hit 44C, and Son La in Vietnam, which reached 38C. Temperatures have also risen above 30C in Japan, and unusual highs have been recorded in central Asia.

As the heatwave continues to wreak havoc, authorities are urging people to take necessary precautions to stay safe.