Surviving the Scorching Heat in Yangon
As the sun sets on another scorching day in Yangon, residents flock to the city’s parks to seek relief from the intense heat, exacerbated by frequent power outages. The recent wave of exceptionally hot weather sweeping Southeast Asia has pushed temperatures to 45 degrees Celsius, forcing schools to suspend in-person classes.
Challenges of an Outdated Infrastructure
Myanmar’s outdated electricity grid has long struggled to cope with the demands of cooling systems, even before the disruptions caused by the 2021 military coup. Infrastructure attacks and diminishing offshore gas reserves have further worsened the situation, leaving many residents without access to reliable power.
Seeking Respite Outdoors
For the city’s 8 million residents, relief often comes in the form of outdoor spaces like parks, where natural shade and cool breezes provide a temporary escape from the sweltering heat. Families gather in these public areas, unable to bear the heat inside their homes during the day.
- Parents seek shelter under trees to escape the scorching sun.
- Residents flock to Inya Lake for cooler temperatures in the evenings.
- Power outages force families to spend evenings outdoors until late hours.
Impact on Daily Life
The extreme heat has disrupted daily routines, with temperatures soaring well above the seasonal average in many parts of Myanmar. Elderly individuals, in particular, struggle to cope with the heat and often remain indoors until the sun sets.
- Daytime temperatures in some regions exceed 45 degrees Celsius.
- Families travel long distances to find cooler spots within the city.
- Global warming exacerbates heat waves, making them more frequent and intense.
Despite the challenges posed by the relentless heat, residents of Yangon find solace in communal outdoor spaces, where they come together to endure the scorching temperatures and wait for the cool of the evening.