Southeast Asia faces growing risks from extreme heat under climate change, yet existing assessments do not fully account for physiological impacts and population-level exposure, particularly at resolutions relevant for planning. Here we present a comprehensive evaluation of future heat stress in the region by integrating three methodological innovations: physiologically relevant bio-climatic indices, spatially explicit population exposure, and sub-daily temporal resolution. Using the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) and Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), we assess heat stress across Southeast Asia at \(22{\times }22\) km spatial and 3-hourly temporal resolution under low- and high-emissions scenarios. Continental Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia, faces the most acute risks, with 6–9 hours of severe heat stress per day during peak months. Our findings show that dangerous levels of heat stress will emerge within decades, underscoring the urgency of adaptation and the benefits of strong mitigation.

Source: CNN December 29, 2025 13:46 UTC