Philippines Suspends Classes as Record Heat Wave Grips Southeast Asia

The Philippines has canceled in-person classes for two days amid a severe heat wave that has sent temperatures soaring across Southeast Asia. In Manila, the mercury reached a record high of 38.8°C (101.8°F) on Saturday, with the heat index hitting a dangerous 45°C (113°F).

The sweltering conditions have disrupted education for over 3.6 million students, with thousands of schools suspending classes "to protect students, many of whom attend schools without air conditioning, from the dangerous heat conditions," according to the Department of Education.

Teachers and students alike have reported struggling with the extreme heat, with some experiencing dizziness, vomiting, and difficulty focusing. "The heat is already taking a toll on teachers and students, with reports of high blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting," said one school administrator.

The scorching temperatures are part of a broader heat wave impacting nations across South and Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, India, and Bangladesh. Authorities have issued health warnings as the mercury has climbed above 40°C (104°F) in several regions.

Why this matters: The record-breaking heat wave highlights the increasing impacts of climate change on the Philippines and other vulnerable nations. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe, posing risks to public health, education, and economic productivity.

Scientists have found that climate change is causing heat waves to become longer, more intense, and more frequent. The current heat wave is being exacerbated by the El Niño weather phenomenon. As one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, the Philippines is facing mounting challenges in adapting to rising temperatures and protecting its population from dangerous heat.

The suspension of classes underscores the disruptive effects of extreme heat on education. With many schools lacking adequate cooling infrastructure, students are forced to learn in sweltering classrooms or stay home entirely. Officials have warned that more class suspensions may be necessary in the coming weeks as the heat wave is expected to persist until mid-May. As the Philippines grapples with the urgent impacts of climate change, the record temperatures serve as a stark reminder of the need for accelerated action to build resilience and safeguard vulnerable communities.

Key Takeaways

• Philippines cancels 2-day in-person classes due to severe heatwave.
• Manila hits record high of 38.8°C, heat index reaches dangerous 45°C.
• Extreme heat disrupts education for over 3.6 million students, causes health issues.
• Heatwave impacts South and Southeast Asia, authorities issue health warnings.
• Climate change driving longer, more intense, and frequent heatwaves in the Philippines.