Record heat wave sweeps Southeast Asia

Singapore records highest temperature in 40 years on May 13

In Singapore, the National Environment Agency said the country recorded its highest temperature in 40 years of 37 degrees Celsius on May 13, and the hot and dry weather is expected to continue. The agency said that the temperature on May 13 also surpassed the previous record for May temperatures in Singapore of 36.7 degrees Celsius, recorded last year, Bloomberg reported.

In Malaysia, Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said on May 13 that the country's health ministry recorded 14 cases of heatstroke the previous day and the government predicted that the number of people suffering from heatstroke would increase as the heatwave could last until August, according to state news agency Bernama.

"The situation is still under control and can be treated at medical facilities. Health Ministry facilities and hospitals are ready to receive people suffering from heatstroke and heat cramps," Lukanisman said.

Malaysia recently reported the death of a child due to heatstroke, prompting the Ministry of Health to issue a public advisory.

The world could be on track for record heat this year as El Nino returns

Scientists have warned that 2023 could be another year of dangerously high temperatures. Signs of stress have emerged across Asia as a heatwave that began in April continues to spread across the region.

Forecasts of a shortage of palm oil due to scorching heat have worried investors, as nearly all of the world’s oil palms are grown in Southeast Asia. Thailand’s Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking has also warned that the risk of El Nino-induced drought later this year could push up food prices.

With climate change, heat waves and severe storms could become more frequent or more intense. Bangladesh and Myanmar evacuated hundreds of thousands of people ahead of Super Typhoon Mocha, which made landfall on the morning of May 14.

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