Southeast Asia hit with record heat and heavy air pollution

Several cities in Southeast Asia experienced sweltering temperatures over the weekend, with some areas hitting new all-time highs as global climate change intensifies both heatwaves and air pollution in the region.

The temperature in Tuong Duong, a city in Vietnam, hit a record high of 111.6 degrees Fahrenheit (44.2 degrees Celsius) on Sunday, according to Vietnam’s National Hydrometeorological Forecast Center. Luang Prabang, a city in Laos, experienced a record temperature of 110.3 degrees Fahrenheit (43.5 degrees Celsius) on Saturday, according to Thailand’s Meteorological Department.

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, also experienced a record temperature of 105.8 degrees Fahrenheit (41 degrees Celsius) over the weekend.

Singapore hit 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius) on Saturday, matching its all-time high, which was set 40 years ago, the National Environment Agency said.

Southeast Asia is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change, which has caused more frequent and severe heat waves and worsened air pollution in the region. The combination of extreme heat and high levels of smog in the region has exacerbated the risk of heat-related illnesses, as well as respiratory and cardiovascular problems.

This year’s scorching temperatures can be linked to a combination of issues, including decreased precipitation last winter and El Niño, a time pattern which typically brings hotter and drier conditions to the region.

The hottest months in Southeast Asia are usually from March to May during the dry season, when temperatures often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). The region’s dry season generally ends with the start of the monsoon season, which brings cooler temperatures and rain.

However, a 2022 study in the journal “Communications Earth & Environment” warns that dangerous levels of heat are expected to occur three to 10 times more often by the end of the century.

Tropical regions, including much of Asia, could face twice as many days of “extremely dangerous heat” of 124 degrees Fahrenheit (51 degrees Celsius), according to the study. Asia face dangers including floods, droughts and typhoons, plus increased heat and humidity.

Globally, 2022 ranked as one of the warmest years on record as ocean heat increased and Antarctic sea ice cover melted to near-record levels. according US government data