This isn’t normal.

An extreme heatwave is smothering much of Asia. That’s rare for this early in the year. It’s unusual that it’s already lasted a fortnight. It’s odd because it stretches across 12 countries from India, over mainland China and through to Thailand in the east.

But it’s validating forecasts that another dry and hot El Nino climate event is on its way to Eastern Australia, with early indications pointing to it being particularly intense.

Climate research scientists have begun warning fishing industries, farmers and security services across South East Asia and the Pacific to expect troubled times ahead. Fisheries will be disrupted. Drought is probable. Weather systems will be stronger and less predictable.

@extremetemps
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Another crazy hot day in Asia

MYANMAR:44.5 Bagan
THAILAND:43.0 Phetchabun
LAOS:42.7 Luang Prabang  hottest day in Lao history
34.5 Hottest April day in the mountain village of Pongsaly
VIETNAM:42.8 Muon La. 
Record at Son La with 38.0
NEPAL:42.4 Bhairawa

Next days...worse !

Thailand this week experienced its highest temperature since records began when the province of Tak exceeded 45C. Laos broke its highest-ever record with 42.7C.

Meanwhile, many Chinese provinces report monthly records toppling, with temperatures topping 35C. And 13 people died of heat stroke on Sunday alone in India as the country sweltered in the mid-40s.


Quote:


Climatologist and weather historian Maximiliano Herrera describes this event as the “worst heatwave in Asian history”. But these are historic times, with every year making history when it comes to climate-related events.