Northern Vietnam to get rain relief after rare heatwave

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting on Wednesday reported that a weak cold front combined with upper-level wind convergence will bring showers and thunderstorms to most northern provinces, excluding Lai Chau and Dien Bien, as well as the north-central province of Thanh Hoa.

Rainfall is forecast at 20-40 millimeters, with some areas exceeding 100 millimeters.

By Friday, northern Vietnam will turn cooler, temporarily halting the heatwave.

The national weather agency warned that thunderstorms could bring dangerous conditions, including whirlwinds, lightning, hail, and strong gusts, which may damage crops, houses, and infrastructure.

Heavy localized rain could also trigger flash floods in small rivers and streams, landslides in mountainous areas, and urban flooding in low-lying regions.

Meteorologist Le Thi Hong Van from the national weather center said the heatwave is weakening.

Between Wednesday and Thursday, northwestern provinces will still experience highs of 35-36 degrees Celsius, with some areas above 36 degrees.

Northeastern provinces and cities, including Hanoi, will see temperatures between 31-34 degrees Celsius.

In central Vietnam, Quang Tri to Da Nang and eastern areas of Quang Ngai to Dak Lak will continue to endure severe heat of 36-39 degrees Celsius, with some places above 39 degrees, through Thursday.

Conditions are expected to ease from Friday.

Scattered showers are forecast in Nghe An to Da Nang and eastern Quang Ngai to Dak Lak, while the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam will see scattered thunderstorms.

Since April 3, many regions nationwide have faced prolonged heat.

Central provinces from Thanh Hoa to Hue recorded extreme temperatures of 38-40 degrees Celsius, with some mountainous areas in Nghe An and Ha Tinh exceeding 41 degrees Celsius.

The weather agency said that this year’s heat arrived earlier than average and reached levels rarely seen in the past 10 years, though not surpassing the record set in April 2024.