MANILA, PHILIPPINES - MAY 03: Residents play basketball during a brief cloud cover amid extreme heat at Tondo district on May 03, 2024 in Manila, Philippines. Scorching temperatures have gripped major cities across Asia, setting new records and pushing urban populations to the brink as the region grapples with an unforgiving heatwave. In the Philippines, temperatures have soared to an index of up to 53 Celsius, leading to schools closing with students reverting to remote learning, and official drought declarations in about half of the country's provinces. The sweltering conditions have strained power grids, sparked health warnings, and left residents desperate for ways to stay cool. Other Asian cities, such as Bangkok, Delhi, and Singapore are all facing similar stifling heat this week. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)