South and Southeast Asia have been sweltering under a brutal heatwave for the past week, with temperatures soaring as high as 45°C (113°F) in some areas. Forecasters warn that the mercury could climb even higher in the coming days, exceeding 40°C (104°F).
The heatwave has caused major disruptions, particularly for education. Thousands of schools across the region have been forced to suspend classes due to the scorching temperatures, impacting over 3.6 million students. This adds another layer of difficulty for students in the Philippines, which already faces challenges according to a recent international study. The study ranked the Philippines’ education system among the lowest in the world for math, science, and reading, partly due to years of inadequate remote learning during the pandemic.
“It’s extremely hot now,” says Kurt Mahusay, a 23-year-old senior in the Philippines. “The heat burns my skin. It’s not like the usual summer heat that is tolerable. Now I can barely stay long out in the heat.”
El Niño (El Niño is a climate pattern characterized by unusually warm surface water temperatures in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean) and climate change are exacerbating the heatwave’s impact across the region. The extreme temperatures make it difficult for children to learn effectively. Save the Children Philippines warns that children are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses like dizziness, vomiting, and fainting when exposed to prolonged periods of high heat.
“We are also affected,” says high school teacher Media SOS. “For example, at my age, when the temperature is really high, my blood pressure shoots up. I have to take my medicine every day. When teaching, we are also affected because it is uncomfortable because of the extreme heat. My back gets soaked with sweat, and sometimes I get very dizzy.”
Local media reports suggest the heatwave is expected to intensify this week, with a 50% chance of worsening. Students and teachers are worried about the potential learning loss, especially in areas with limited access to technology and the internet.
The state weather agency forecasts temperatures near Manila to reach nearly 100°F (38°C) in the next three days. However, the heat index, which measures how hot it actually feels, is expected to remain even higher at a record-breaking 113°F (45°C). This falls under the “dangerous” category, where prolonged exposure can lead to heatstroke.
