Heatwave expected to ease in northern Vietnam after 2 more sweltering days

The Red River Delta, Phu Tho Province, and the central Vietnamese areas stretching from Thanh Hoa to Hue will likely see temperatures of 38-40 degrees Celsius, with the mercury staying above 40 degrees Celsius in some locations.

Other northern provinces, excluding Dien Bien and Lai Chau, along with Da Nang and eastern parts of the central provinces from Quang Ngai to Lam Dong, are expected to record temperatures between 36 and 38 degrees Celsius, with isolated areas surpassing 40 degrees Celsius.

The weather agency warned that the combination of extreme heat and low humidity levels of just 40-45 percent could increase the risk of heatstroke and dehydration.

Residents were advised to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm, drink water regularly, wear protective clothing, and avoid sudden temperature changes between outdoor heat and air-conditioned spaces.

Forecasters said rain and thunderstorms are expected to develop from Wednesday evening, helping end the heatwave in northern Vietnam by Thursday.

Central Vietnam is anticipated to see temperatures gradually ease from Friday.

On Monday, many parts of northern and central Vietnam experienced another day of oppressive heat, with daytime highs commonly ranging from 38 to 40 degrees Celsius.

Seventeen monitoring stations across eight provinces and cities recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius.

Vinh Yen in Phu Tho was the hottest location nationwide at 40.8 degrees Celsius, followed by Lang station in Hanoi at 40.7 degrees Celsius.

Thanh Hoa and Bac Ninh both recorded 40.5 degrees Celsius.

Another 30 weather stations across 14 northern and central localities measured temperatures above 39 degrees Celsius.

In Hanoi, even after sunset, many residents reported intense heat radiating from roads and buildings, creating stifling conditions across the Vietnamese capital.

Nguyen Van Huong, head of weather forecasting at the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, said the heatwave was caused by the circulation of a low-pressure hot zone combined with foehn winds.

“The high temperatures have persisted for many days, with daytime highs commonly reaching 37-39 degrees Celsius and some places above 40 degrees Celsius,” Huong said.

He added that strong solar radiation and dry hot winds intensified the severity and duration of the heatwave.