With heat waves hitting across Southeast Asia, travellers planning to explore the region are advised to adapt to the high temperatures accordingly.
With temperatures exceeding 42°C in some areas, the scorching heat is posing challenges for locals and tourists alike. Countries including Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines are grappling with rising temperatures that are disrupting daily life and posing health risks.
In Thailand’s Bangkok, temperatures have never dropped below 30 degrees Celsius, forcing tourists and locals to flee the scorching heat indoors, while in Vietnam rice fields and rivers have dried up, hurting the agriculture sector and raising concerns about food security.
Climate scientists warn that heatwaves caused by man-made climate change and natural phenomena such as El Niño will become more prolonged, with no clear end in sight, prompting governments to rush to mitigate their impact with tactics such as artificial rainfall.
Adapting to extreme weather has become a pressing concern for tourists and locals alike. In Malaysia, a series of heatstroke deaths has prompted calls to build climate resilience and prepare for rising temperatures, while schools in Singapore and the Philippines are taking steps to protect students from heatstroke.
Tourists should be advised to dress appropriately for the weather, choosing light, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen to protect against heat and humidity, as well as wearing wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses to protect against the sun.
Travel agents should advise their clients to carry reusable water bottles, drink plenty of fluids, especially during outdoor activities, and take regular breaks in cool places such as air-conditioned shopping malls and cafes.
