Asia records unexpected heatwaves, El Nino weather pattern returns
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New Delhi: An El Nino weather pattern has emerged in the northern hemisphere and it has resulted in heatwaves in several parts of Asia. The southern region of the continent seems to be more affected.
El Nino is characterised by the warmer ocean temperatures across the Pacific. It has a far-reaching influence across the world. As a result, parched areas of Argentina and the southern US will see some relief in temperature. But, on the other hand, Asia and Australia will see hotter and drier conditions. Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Thailand are seeing prolonged dryness.
Climate scientist at the Singapore University of Social Sciences Tieh-Yong Koh said the prolonged dryness of soil in Asia is due to suppressed rainfall over the past winter. He added that dry soil heats up faster than moist soil. Lack of rainfall leads to a hot anomaly in the spring. This pattern is supported by global warming in the past decades.
Over this weekend, Vietnam recorded its highest-ever temperature at 44.2°C. Laos and the Philippines also struggled with the heat. Vietnam has issued power shortage warnings and the Philippines cut school hours because the heat index reached the danger zone, reported Bloomberg.
Thailand is looking at a potential drought that may last for three years. Last week, temperatures remained above 40°C in the northern and central regions of the country. Power demand is on the rise and businesses have asked the government to prepare an action plan for the future.
Parts of China, India, and Bangladesh have also experienced high temperatures in the past few weeks. India is on alert after 11 people died of heat stroke in April. In China, Yunnan province - a major aluminium hub - saw its worst drought in a decade.
Malaysia also saw rainfall 40% less than usual. This will put palm oil production in jeopardy. Government is also worried about forest fires and air pollution. Coffee, sugar, palm oil, and cocoa crops are particularly at risk due to the weather.