Schools closed

Extreme heat in the Philippines: it feels like 53 degrees

In the capital Manila and many other parts of the country, the perceived temperatures were well over 40 degrees.

(Bild: AFP)

All public schools in the Philippines were closed on Monday and Tuesday due to record-breaking heat. The weather bureau warned of dangerous heat index values, with some areas already in "extreme danger". In the city of Iba, for example, a record-breaking heat index of 53 degrees was measured on Sunday.

In the capital Manila and many other parts of the country, the perceived values were also well above 40 degrees. The population was urged to spend as little time outdoors as possible and to protect themselves from the sun's rays with hats and umbrellas.

Six deaths already suspected
In the past ten days, dozens of people have had to seek medical treatment for possible heat-related illnesses. Six deaths, probably related to the extreme temperatures, are still being investigated.

"The heat is unbearable, especially at lunchtime," said the owner of a tourist boarding house in the Palawan region, which is popular with vacationers. "Our guests just want to hide in their air-conditioned rooms."

The local environmental agency regularly issues warnings, especially for the capital Bangkok, and urges people to stay indoors in air-conditioned rooms if possible.

(Bild: AFP)

(Bild: AFP)

Thailand is also groaning under a heatwave
According to health authorities, as many as 30 people have died from heat-related illnesses there since the beginning of the year. The local environmental agency issues regular warnings, especially for the capital Bangkok, and urges people to stay indoors in air-conditioned rooms if possible. The heat index in the metropolis has recently repeatedly exceeded 52 degrees. The actual values are usually 38 to 39 degrees. Even at night, they have hardly dropped below 30 degrees for weeks.

April heralds the end of the dry season in Thailand and is generally the hottest month of the year. However, the country has been sweating in unusually high temperatures for weeks. According to experts, such extreme weather is particularly dangerous for chronically ill people, the elderly and the overweight.