A relentless heatwave across Southeast Asia has prompted significant responses, including halting in-person classes at public schools in the Philippines and a surge in power demand in Thailand. In metropolitan Manila, temperatures soared to a record-breaking 38.8°C, leading the Department of Education to close public schools on Monday and Tuesday. Meanwhile, Thailand experienced a record power demand of 36,356 megawatts late Saturday, with the northern and northeastern regions facing scorching temperatures, reaching up to 44°C in some areas on Sunday. Bangkok issued extreme heat warnings, and Thailand has already reported about 30 heat-related fatalities this year. Similar extreme conditions have been felt across the region, from India to Vietnam. Concerns over heat-related illnesses and deaths have prompted warnings, with over 243 million children in East Asia and the Pacific considered at risk. The prolonged heatwave has also led to school closures in the Philippines earlier this month, transitioning back to remote learning. Additionally, electricity conservation measures have been urged in response to power plant shutdowns, while some provincial governments have implemented shorter work weeks to mitigate the heat's impact. Forecasters predict the heat index in Manila to reach as high as 46°C on Monday.