Six things to know about Asia’s heatwave and the health impacts
SEOUL — A record-breaking heatwave swept through a broad swath of Asia earlier this month, causing deaths and heat-related illnesses. This year’s extreme weather has been linked to El Niño, which, according to weather experts, could be one of the strongest ever recorded. The “super” El Niño, which officially arrived in June, is expected to […]
Asia experienced a record-breaking heatwave earlier this month, resulting in deaths and heat-related illnesses. The extreme weather is attributed to a "super" El Niño, which is expected to intensify throughout the year, bringing prolonged warmer weather, droughts, and adverse health risks to the region.
Temperatures in South Korea reached an all-time high of 42.5°C (108.5°F) in Yangsan on August 2, the highest mark since records began in 1904. In Japan, temperatures surpassed 40°C (104°F) in several prefectures, including central and western regions, in late July. Hong Kong recorded its highest temperature since the introduction of automatic weather stations in the 1980s, with 39.8°C (103°F) logged on August 9.
Southeast Asia also faced extreme weather conditions. In Vietnam, thermal readings from July 11 to August 10 exceeded records in many areas, with temperatures reaching 39-40°C (102-104°F). The Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia experienced rainfall deficits during the same period.
The prolonged heatwave has raised concerns about the health impacts on people in the region.
Written by urgent.news from Mongabay's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
