Northern, central Vietnam brace for extreme heat early next week

On Sunday, hot weather will mainly affect the Red River Delta and midland areas, where daytime temperatures could range between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius, with some locations exceeding 37 degrees Celsius.

From Monday, the heat will spread to northern mountainous provinces, except Lai Chau and Dien Bien Provinces, with temperatures ranging from 36 to 39 degrees Celsius.

Hanoi, Hung Yen, and Ninh Binh are among the areas likely to see readings above 39.

In central Vietnam, the heatwave will possibly intensify from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang and in eastern Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, and Dak Lak.

Daily highs are forecast at 36-38 degrees Celsius, with some areas above 39.

Between Monday and Thursday, temperatures in parts of central Vietnam could range from 37 to 39 degrees Celsius and locally exceed 40 degrees Celsius.

Le Thi Hong Van, a forecaster at the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, said that actual temperatures felt outdoors may be 2-4 degrees Celsius higher than official readings, particularly in urban environments with concrete and asphalt surfaces.

She warned that prolonged extreme heat combined with low humidity could trigger power overloads, residential fires, and forest fires.

Residents are advised to conserve electricity, turn off unused appliances, and limit outdoor exposure to avoid dehydration and heat-related illnesses.

The heatwave in northern Vietnam is expected to ease after Thursday, thanks to scattered showers and thunderstorms, while central Vietnam will likely see relief starting Friday.