Myanmar Records Hottest Ever April Temperature Amid Heatwave

On April 28, 2024, Myanmar recorded its highest April temperature of 48.2 degrees Celsius (118.76 Fahrenheit) in the town of Chauk in the central Magway region, according to the country's weather department. This is the highest temperature seen anywhere in Myanmar in April since records began 56 years ago, as the Southeast Asian nation bakes in a heatwave.

The same day, temperatures also reached 40°C (104°F) in Yangon and 44°C (111.2°F) in Mandalay. Across Myanmar's arid heartland, daytime temperatures were 3-4°C higher than the April average. One resident of Chauk said it was "too hot" and they "just stayed at home" due to the extreme heat.

Why this matters: The record-breaking temperature in Myanmar is part of a broader trend of more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting heatwaves affecting many parts of Asia due to climate change. These extreme heat events pose serious risks to human health, agriculture, and infrastructure in the region.

Experts attribute this heatwave to the impacts of climate change, which is causing heatwaves to be longer, more frequent, and more intense globally, particularly in Asia. The UN's World Meteorological Organization has stated that Asia is warming at a particularly rapid pace, with the impact of heatwaves in the region becoming more severe.

Global temperatures hit record highs last year, and heatwaves are expected to become even more pronounced in the coming years as the effects of climate change intensify. The extreme heat in Myanmar this April serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for climate action to mitigate the worst impacts of rising global temperatures on vulnerable populations and regions.

Key Takeaways

• Myanmar recorded its highest April temperature of 48.2°C on April 28, 2024.
• Temperatures also reached 40°C in Yangon and 44°C in Mandalay the same day.
• The record-breaking heat is part of a broader trend of more frequent, intense heatwaves in Asia.
• Experts attribute the heatwave to climate change, which is causing more severe heatwaves globally.
• The extreme heat in Myanmar serves as a reminder of the urgent need for climate action.