Thailand-Philippines Smoldering as Temperatures Exceed 50 Degrees

A policeman died in Thailand due to hot temperatures. Temperatures can reach 54 degrees Celsius in Phuket. This is because of El Nino.

AFP/TED ALJIBE

A cart driver in Manila, Philippines, tries to calm and cool his horse in the heat on Wednesday (24/4/2024).

MANILA, WEDNESDAY — Temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius hit Philippines and Thailand because of El Nino. In Cavite, an area south of Manila, the temperature reached 47 degrees Celsius on Wednesday (24/4/2024). Meanwhile, the Phuket area, Thailand, is estimated to be hit by a temperature of 54 degrees Celsius this weekend.

Hot temperatures have forced schools in Manila and its surroundings to be closed. Residents are warned of the potential for heat stroke. The temperature in Manila was recorded at 45 degrees Celsius on Tuesday and dropped to 44 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

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"The heat is scorching, it's hard to breathe. Oddly enough, even the swimming pool is empty, and no one wants to swim against the heat. Leaving the house is already tiring due to the scorching hot weather," said Erlin Tumaron (60), who works at a beach resort in Cavite.

A number of employees at a university in the Dagupan area have stated that they do not go outside even when they need to eat. "We instruct someone to buy us lunch, and then we eat inside the office," said Edz Alteros, an employee at one of the universities in Dagupan.

AP/AARON FAVILA

Ice workers deliver orders in Quezon, Philippines, Wednesday (24/4/2024).

According to the Philippine Meteorology Agency (PAGASA), the heat index has reached a dangerous level. Temperatures of 42 degrees Celsius have been recorded in up to 30 cities. Even the temperature in Aparri, located on the northern side of Luzon Island, reached 48 degrees Celsius.

Eric Vista from the City Disaster Management Agency in Aparri stated that the air temperature is very hot. There was rain on Tuesday night, making the air slightly cooler. However, on Wednesday morning, the hot air returned.

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Head of Meteorology at PAGASA, Ana Solis, stated that there is a 50 percent chance of it continuing to rise in the coming days. "We need to limit outdoor activities, drink plenty of water, bring an umbrella and hat when traveling outside," she said.

The El Nino phenomenon triggers extreme hot temperatures in the Philippines. Half of the 82 provinces in the Philippines are now experiencing drought.

Thailand is burning

Hot temperatures are also currently affecting parts of Thailand. It is estimated that the hot temperatures will continue to scorch Thailand until Sunday (28/4/2024). Residents are advised to stay indoors more often.

AP/AARON FAVILA

Traders in Marikina, Philippines, take shelter in their stalls amid hot temperatures on Wednesday (24/4/2024).

Around Bangkok, the temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius. In Northern Thailand, the average temperature is recorded at 43 degrees Celsius. "Even when the air conditioning is turned on to 20 degrees, we still sweat," said Supichaya Jittaleela (37).

A police officer in Samut Prakarn died while directing traffic during the day. The victim is believed to have died from exhaustion and heatstroke. He fainted on the scene and passed away.

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Thai authorities have warned that temperatures could reach 53 degrees Celsius in some areas this weekend. In Phuket, Thailand's leading tourism area, temperatures are estimated to reach 54 degrees Celsius this weekend. (AP/REUTERS)