Vast swathes of Asia, from the Philippines to Myanmar, are suffering the effects of a record-breaking heat wave, forcing millions of children to stay indoors.

Which areas are affected?

The heat wave is affecting much of South and Southeast Asia, with record temperatures in recent days being recorded in Chauk, Myanmar, and Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

Authorities in Thailand are also warning people of “severe” weather conditions, while authorities in Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, India and Bangladesh are all predicting temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius.

Even northern Japan has been affected, recording temperatures of over 25 degrees in Sapporo, which is completely unprecedented for this time of year.

Heat

What are the causes?

The months before the monsoons, or the rainy season, are generally warm, but this year, the temperatures recorded are well above average in many countries. Experts say climate change is causing more frequent, more intense and longer-lasting heat waves.

Asia is warming faster than the global average and the effects of heat waves on the continent are becoming more severe, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) underlined last week.

The El Nino weather phenomenon is also playing a role this year, Milton Spear, a meteorologist and researcher at the University of Technology Sydney, told AFP.

“The lack of clouds in El Nino means temperatures are likely to be higher than average,” he notes. At the sea surface, temperatures are currently several degrees above normal, “which is helping to keep them above average inland overnight” and therefore “rising, starting from a higher base” the day.

Other factors also play a role, such as deforestation, which reduces shade and increases dry surface, and urbanization, as concrete, glass and steel buildings absorb heat instead of reflecting it.

Which population groups are affected?

The extreme heat wave affects children, the elderly and people suffering from illnesses or pre-existing disabilities the most. Also, those living in poverty usually do not have the means to cool their homes, or are forced to work in conditions that do not provide them with adequate protection from the heat.

UNICEF warned that 243 million children in the Pacific and East Asia region threatened by heat waves.

“Children’s exposure to heat waves causes heat stress,” noted Salva Aleriani, a health specialist at UNICEF’s regional office.

“Serious problems can occur, such as cardiovascular disease, organ failure, muscle and nerve dysfunctions,” he told AFP.

How are countries reacting?

Authorities in several countries have asked their citizens to stay at home. In Nepal, hospitals were put on alert, while Cambodian authorities advised public schools to keep their windows and doors open for ventilation.

Bangladesh and the Philippines went further, deciding to close schools for several days. But in the absence of air conditioning or proper buildings, many children who are forced to stay at home do not have more coolness there, Aleriani pointed out.

How long will it last?

In Bangladesh, the heat is not expected to subside until Thursday at the earliest. In Thailand, forecast services have warned that the annual rains may not arrive until the end of May, several weeks later than normal.

Even when the monsoons arrive, the general trend of rising temperatures will continue, Milton Spear warned.

“Heat waves will continue to occur more frequently because the oceans and atmosphere are gradually warming due to climate change,” he noted, which poses risks to crops and livestock, as well as people working outdoors.

Adaptation is vital, especially by providing “sustainable, air-conditioned neighborhood structures where people can go during the day and sleep at night,” Spear concluded.