Record-Breaking April Across Asia
"Impact Reaches Korea and Japan"
Asia is boiling. Even though it is only April, regions with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius have appeared, breaking records for extreme heat. Dozens of people have died from the heat in India.
According to the Associated Press, on the 22nd (local time), the Thai government urged citizens nationwide, including the capital Bangkok, to refrain from outdoor activities. Bangkok is forecasted to have a heat index reaching 50.2℃.
On the 4th, during the ongoing sweltering heat, a citizen is walking shirtless at Ichon Hangang Park in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@
Tak Province in western Thailand recorded 45.4℃ on the 15th. In northwestern Myanmar, Kale reached 44℃, and Luang Prabang in Laos soared to 42.7℃. These are record-breaking temperatures.
US CNN reported, citing meteorological historian Maximiliano Herrera, that the temperature in the tourist city of Luang Prabang, Laos, rose to 42.7℃, marking the highest temperature recorded in April since weather observations began.
In Myanmar, the city of Kale in the central Sagaing region is experiencing unprecedented heat reaching 44℃ on the 17th. South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, has also been experiencing temperatures exceeding 40℃ for several days.
In India, local authorities reported that 11 people died from the heat while attending an outdoor event in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, on the 16th. Some areas recorded temperatures as high as 44.6℃ on the 17th.
In Mumbai, over one million people gathered at an event, and 50 to 60 people collapsed from the heat and were taken to hospitals. In some regions, schools were closed to protect students' health.
Climatologist and meteorologist Dr. Maximiliano Herrera described this heatwave as an "unprecedented monster heatwave." He expressed concern, saying, "The effects of the monster heatwave are spreading to South Korea and Japan. We are experiencing abnormal spring temperatures approaching 30℃. Across China, temperatures have soared above 35℃ in many places, breaking April records."
In fact, Seoul recorded a daytime temperature of 28.4℃ on the 19th, marking the second hottest April on record, and Daegu reached 29.4℃ on the 20th, bringing heat comparable to mid-June.
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