A severe heatwave has swept across much of Asia in recent weeks, causing record-breaking temperatures in many parts, raising health risks, and presenting challenges for businesses.

State-run schools in the Philippines’ capital region have shortened class timings as children sweltered in heated classrooms.

The heat index in several areas of the country rose to the “danger” level of 42-51 degrees Celsius last week.

The Met department in Thailand has said searing heat continues in the northern parts of the country with storms most
likely in central, eastern, and southern regions.

Last month, weather experts described the unusually high temperatures as the “worst April heatwave in Asian history”.

The Philippines is already racing for the onset of El Niño in June.

The chance of an El Niño weather phenomenon developing in the coming months has risen, the United Nations has said, warning that it could fuel higher global temperatures and possibly new heat records.

Aljazeera.