48.2°. This is the temperature recorded on Sunday 28 April in the town of Chauk, in the central region of Myanmar. The highest in April since data was collected 56 years ago. This was stated by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). On the same day, temperatures hit 40 degrees in Yangon, the country’s commercial hub.
Longer, more intense and more frequent heat waves
It’s nothing new. Asia is suffering under an extreme heat wave that is taking a toll on all regions. The UN World Meteorological Organization has in fact declared that the continent is warming at a particularly high rate. High temperatures which are leading to alarming consequences for the health of citizens. Scientific research has shown how climate change has increased the so-called heatwaves, which are also becoming longer and more intense, as the Times of India reports.
see also
Philippines, record heat at 42 degrees: schools are closed
Schools closed in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, schools have been ordered to close due to extreme heat. Average temperatures in the capital Dhaka were 4-5° higher than the average for the last 30 years in the same period. The government has said at least seven people have died due to climate change since the start of April, with temperatures expected to remain above 40° until Thursday 2 May.
