Vietnam records hottest October in 65 years

The Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment said temperatures across most of the country last month were 1-2 degrees Celsius above the long-term average, Sai Gon Giai Phong (Liberated Saigon) newspaper reported.

The figure was 2-3 degrees higher in northern Vietnam and 0.5-1 degree higher in some southern areas.

During October, 61 meteorological stations recorded absolute daily maximum temperatures that matched or exceeded historical records for the same period.

Another 98 stations recorded monthly average temperatures at or above historical levels, including 87 in northern Vietnam.

The agency forecast that southern Vietnam would receive 80-150 millimeters of rain in November, around the long-term average, with some areas likely to see higher totals.

Rainfall is expected to decline to 20-40 millimeters in December, about 10-20 millimeters below the usual level.

Southern Vietnam and the Central Highlands are forecast to experience little rain in January 2027.

From November 2026 to January 2027, the number of storms and tropical depressions forming over the East Vietnam Sea and making landfall in Vietnam is likely to be below the long-term average.

The average for this period is 2.8 storms and tropical depressions over the East Vietnam Sea, including 1.1 making landfall in Vietnam.

El Niño is forecast to persist at a very strong intensity from November 2026 to January 2027, with a 96-percent probability.

As for temperatures, the national average in November is forecast to be 1-2 degrees Celsius above the long-term average.

In December and January 2027, average temperatures are expected to be 0.5-1.5 degrees higher than usual, while the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam could see temperatures 1-2 degrees above the long-term average.