The hottest months in the Southeast Asian region usually start from March until May, which also is the driest. However, this year the conditions have been made worse by a much more extreme episode of El Niño, which the UN has already raised alarms about.
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With temperatures soaring, heatwaves are causing fatalities in Thailand and the Philippines. Measures are being taken to cope with the scorching weather, including changes in work routines, suspension of in-person classes, and efforts to keep animals cool in zoos.
In the Philippines, the heatwave has significantly affected daily life, particularly through the disruption of classes. While the safety of students is paramount, the suspension of classes will definitely add to the educational challenges that the Philippines is facing. But most will not be staying home, and businesses are seeing higher traffic as people swarm to seek shelter from the heat in air-conditioned malls.
Temperatures here in Singapore, averaging around 33°C (but feeling more like 40°C) are slightly lower than back home in the Philippines where it can reach as high as 38°C with a heat index exceeding 45°C . Despite the marginally lower temperatures, the heat remains challenging. I recently stopped wearing long sleeves to work because by the time I arrive, I am already drenched in sweat (I just walk from home to the office).
The transition from the extreme outdoor heat to the cool, air-conditioned office environment has taken a toll on many people’s health, myself included. A lot of my colleagues are coughing, if not having a runny nose or constantly sneezing. While COVID-19 cases are almost non-existent, the flu seems to be making a comeback, although Singapore’s Ministry of Health’s monitoring shows lower trends this year compared to the previous year.
To manage the heat, it’s essential to stay hydrated, wear light, breathable clothing, and, if possible, adjust your commute times to avoid the hottest parts of the day. In indoor environments, gradually adjusting the air conditioning to avoid drastic temperature differences can help prevent the shock to your system and reduce the likelihood of falling ill.
As we navigate these challenging times, it’s crucial to recognize the broader impact of climate change as a factor in increasing weather extremes. While the current situation is undoubtedly difficult, I remain hopeful that through resilience and adaptation strategies, our communities will find ways to cope with and overcome the challenges posed by this intense heatwave.
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