Extreme heat in the Philippines, Bangladesh and Thailand: wind chill above 52 degrees in Bangkok

The Philippines, Bangladesh and Thailand are experiencing extreme heat on Wednesday. The authorities have decided to close schools and asked residents to stay at home.

March, April and May are usually the warmest and driest months of the year in this region, but this year weather conditions have been exacerbated by the El Niño climate phenomenon, according to climatologist Ana Solis.

Wind chill temperatures – calculated based on several factors such as temperature, wind and humidity – were expected to reach 42 degrees in at least 30 cities and towns in the Philippines on Wednesday. The Philippines’ education ministry said nearly 6,700 of the 47,600 schools under the ministry will suspend classes on Wednesday.

Bangladesh is also experiencing such temperatures. Thousands of Muslim believers prayed for rain on Wednesday. According to the weather services, the maximum average temperature in the capital Dhaka will be 4 to 5 degrees higher than the average over the same period of the past 30 years. Authorities last week ordered the closure of all schools until the end of the month.

In Thailand, the millions of residents of the capital Bangkok were asked to stay at home on Wednesday. The heat indicator rose on Wednesday to a level that is considered extremely dangerous. The perceived temperature was above 52 degrees.