List of Asian Countries Recently Hit by Extreme Heatwave

VIVA – Recently, extreme heatwave hit several countries around the world, including in the Asian region. Some experienced hotter-than-usual temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius.

According to some studies, dangerous and record-breaking heatwaves will increase as the climate warms. This extreme weather will also be particularly devastating in countries and regions that are least prepared for heat waves. 

Well, here's a list of countries that have been hit by extreme heat wave: 

Parts of China, including Beijing, are also at high risk of heatwaves. Millions of people living in these areas are likely to be affected by heat waves, even if the government mobilizes resources to mitigate these conditions. On April 18, 2020, Yuanyang reported a temperature of 42.4 degrees Celsius.

Myanmar also set a temperature record on April 17, at 44 degrees Celsius in the Kalewa area, Central Sagaing.

India

The Indian Meteorological Department also reported that 48 of its weather stations recorded temperatures of more than 42 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, with the highest being 44.2 degrees Celsius in the eastern state of Odisha.

The heat wave also caused 13 people to die in the western state of Maharashtra while attending a state awards ceremony on April 16.

Bangladesh

The Bangladeshi city of Kumarkhali was also the hottest area with a daily maximum temperature recorded at 51.2 degrees Celsius on April 17, 2023.

Thailand

Thailand has been hit by a heat wave, with temperatures in some areas as of Sunday, April 23, 2023, estimated to reach 43 degrees Celsius.

According to the Thai Meteorological Department, the air temperature in 24 hours since Saturday, April 22, 2023, reached 43 degrees Celsius, especially in the northern region of the White Elephant Country. Meanwhile, the temperature in the Thai capital, Bangkok, is also said to reach 40 degrees Celsius.

Japan also experienced exceptional heat during mid-April. "The heat is spreading to Japan and South Korea with 30 degrees Celsius," climatologist and history expert Maximiliano Herrera said on Twitter.