‘Discomfort may increase’: Asia’s heat wave scorches hundreds of millions

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The New York Times or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: A severe heat wave has impacted hundreds of millions in South and Southeast Asia, causing school closures, agricultural disruptions, and heightened health risks, including heat strokes. In Bangladesh, temperatures have exceeded 107 degrees Fahrenheit (42 degrees Celsius), with extreme humidity exacerbating the discomfort

🔭 The context: April is usually hot in this region, setting the stage for the annual summer monsoon 
• However, this year's temperatures have been significantly higher than usual, adding to the region's climatic challenges

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The intense heat wave aligns with global climate trends, including a record warm year and an ongoing El Niño cycle 
• Such extreme weather events underscore the urgent need for climate adaptation and mitigation strategies in vulnerable regions

⏭️ What's next: The forecast suggests continued high temperatures for several more days, complicating ongoing issues like the Indian general elections and energy demands 
• Relief is expected only with the onset of the monsoon, still weeks away

💬 One quote: “I haven’t experienced heat like this before. Every year gets hotter, but this year is extreme,” (Nur-e-Alam, rickshaw driver in Dhaka)

📈 One stat: In some areas of Bangladesh, the humidity reached 73 percent, significantly increasing the heat perception and discomfort

Click for more news covering the latest on climate change