The 2025 heatwave in Southeast Asia: a window into the future
With every passing year, the problem of extreme heat is growing more severe. While heatwaves intensify, arrive earlier and last longer, demographic, economic and urbanisation factors exacerbate their negative impacts. As a result, Southeast Asian governments must prioritise adaptation efforts and do it fast.
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Philippines
The severe heatwave disrupted Filipinos’ daily lives and key economic sectors like fisheries and agriculture. Throughout March and April, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration issued several warnings of a “dangerous” heat index, including temperatures between 42 and 51°C. In this category, there is increased risk of heat cramps, exhaustion and heatstroke. On some days, the extreme heat affected as many as 26 different areas of the country. In some regions, authorities had to shut schools down.
Myanmar
In Myanmar, the extreme heat complicated efforts to provide relief to the hundreds of thousands affected by the deadly 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 28, killing over 3,600 people. Survivors, left without power, internet and sanitation, had to shelter in the open during the driest and hottest periods of the year. With temperatures soaring above 44°C throughout April, the hot season further compounds the humanitarian crisis. On some days, the scorching heat coincides with extreme downpours and destructive winds at night, increasing the risks of disease outbreaks, aid workers warn.
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Vietnam
In Vietnam, the heatwave was less severe, with the mercury hitting 38°C in most northern and central provinces. According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the country would be spared from severe heat extremes this year. Instead, authorities warn of mild heatwaves and severe rainfall between April and June. Still, the northern and central parts of the country are likely to experience prolonged high temperatures in July and August and a potential landfall of three storms forming over the East Sea between July and September. The authorities warn that while extreme heat may ease this year, the risks of heavy rains, storms and flooding remain high.
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According to Germanwatch’s Global Climate Risk Index 2025, four of the top 10 most affected countries by climate change between 1993 and 2022 are from Asia. Myanmar (4th) incurred the highest number of fatalities, while China (2nd) and the Philippines (10th) had the most affected per 100,000.
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