Vietnam and Laos record highest temperature in history

Record temperatures were recorded across Southeast Asia over the weekend, as the region endured a prolonged heatwave that affected the lives of millions.

Scientists have long warned that heatwaves will become more severe as the impact of the man-made climate crisis grows.

In Vietnam, the temperature peaked at 44.2 degrees Celsius on Saturday (May 6) in Tuong Duong, Nghe An . This is the highest temperature recorded in history nationwide.

In Laos, Luang Prabang hit 43.5 degrees Celsius on May 6, breaking the national record of 42.7 degrees Celsius set last month. Vientiane, the capital of Laos, also broke its own record with 42.5 degrees Celsius over the weekend.

Meanwhile, in Thailand, Bangkok hit a record high of 41 degrees Celsius on Saturday, May 6. The country's capital is among the majority of Thailand that has endured high temperatures, ranging from 37-38 degrees Celsius to over 40 degrees Celsius since late March.

In mid-April, the northwestern city of Tak became the first place to record temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius, according to data from the Thai Meteorological Department. Last month, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed concern over “dangerously high temperatures in many parts of Thailand.”

Vietnam and Laos record highest temperature in history - 2 — Bangkok is one of the cities with high temperatures in summer. Photo: Reuters.

April and May are typically the hottest months of the year in South Asia and Southeast Asia, as temperatures rise before the annual monsoon rains bring relief.

Temperatures across the region are forecast to return to average in the coming days, but unprecedented heatwaves are becoming more common as the climate crisis worsens.

A 2022 study found that dangerous heat waves, of 39.4 degrees Celsius or higher, will occur three to 10 times more frequently by the end of the century.

In the tropics, including much of Asia, research shows that days with “extremely dangerous temperatures” – defined as 51 degrees Celsius – could double, threatening communities in affected countries.

“We don’t know in theory what could happen if densely populated communities were subjected to unprecedented heat and humidity stress, but the heat waves of the past few decades have been so dangerous that they raise serious concerns for the future,” said study lead author Lucas Vargas Zeppetello of Harvard University.

(Source: Zing News)

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