Vietnam braces for over 40-degree heat as forest fire risk hits red alert

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said on Tuesday that the heatwave has intensified across large parts of the country, particularly in the northwestern region, areas from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang, and eastern parts of the provinces from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak.

Temperatures in these regions have ranged from 35 to 38 degrees Celsius, with some locations nearing 40 degrees, including Vinh in Nghe An at 39.2 degrees Celsius and Huong Khe in Ha Tinh at 39.6 degrees Celsius.

Hot weather is forecast to intensify on Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing severe to extremely severe conditions to the central localities from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang and eastern areas from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak.

Maximum temperatures are expected to commonly reach 37-39 degrees Celsius, with some places exceeding 40 degrees.

The northwestern region is forecast to see highs of 36-38 degrees Celsius, with some locations surpassing 39 degrees, while the northeastern region (excluding Quang Ninh and Hai Phong), the Central Highlands, and southern Vietnam will record temperatures of 35-36 degrees, with localized hotspots slightly higher.

The center noted that while forecast temperatures may appear lower, the actual ‘feel-like’ heat could be much higher. 

Even when the mercury hovers around 39-40 degrees Celsius, it may feel as hot as 43-45 degrees. 

High heat combined with strong ultraviolet radiation may cause discomfort and damage to skin and eyes without proper protection.

The heatwave is expected to persist beyond Wednesday and last for several more days nationwide.

The center added that April is likely to see more intense heat compared to previous years, while this summer is also forecast to be hotter than in 2025.

Amid expectations of an unusually hot summer, the Forestry and Forest Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment warned that forest fire risks are rising nationwide, with many areas already at critical levels.

Recent forest fires have been reported in Dien Bien and Lai Chau in the northern region.

The department said April is typically the peak of the hot season in many parts of Vietnam, with daytime temperatures commonly ranging from 36 to 40 degrees Celsius.

In some north-central areas, temperatures can exceed 41 degrees Celsius under the influence of strong Lao winds, while humidity may drop below 50 percent or even 30 percent, creating highly favorable conditions for forest fires.

As of Monday afternoon, data from the department’s monitoring system showed 778 locations across the country at the highest fire risk level, classified as level 5, or red alert (extremely dangerous), and 770 sites at level 4, or dangerous.

Authorities urged residents to avoid using fire or smoking in forests during the dry season and to refrain from slash-and-burn activities, especially under strong winds or without official permission.