Heat wave sweeping Southeast Asia hits Myanmar

22 April 2016
Heat wave sweeping Southeast Asia hits Myanmar
Trying to cool down in Myanmar during the water festival - Photo: Hong Sar/Mizzima

What is most likely to be the most intense heat wave ever observed in Southeast Asia has been ongoing for the past several weeks, according to report on the weather underground website on 19 April.
All-time national heat records have been observed in Cambodia, Laos, and (almost) in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. 
Recent weather data from Myanmar has been sketchy at best, according to the report, although at least one city, Dawei, has broken its all-time heat record with a 39.0°C (102.2°F) reading. There have been several 46.0°C (114.8°F) reports but it is not known at this time if these were the actual daily maximums. The all-time heat record for Myanmar is 47.2°C (117.0°F) at Myinmu on May 14, 2010 (the beginning of one of Asia’s greatest heat waves). 
All in all, the on-going heat wave is easily the most intense to affect Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia since at least 1960, the report said.