HCMC - A prolonged heatwave has gripped HCMC and other provinces in southern Vietnam, with temperatures expected to reach 39 degrees Celsius in some areas over the weekend.

The heatwave is fueled by a strengthening western low-pressure system and is forecast to persist for the next 48 to 72 hours, according to the Southern Regional Hydrometeorological Center. Temperatures are anticipated to peak between 36 and 38 degrees Celsius in the southeastern region, including HCMC, with some areas reaching up to 39 degrees Celsius.

In the Mekong Delta, temperatures are expected to range from 34 to 36 degrees Celsius, potentially exceeding 36 degrees in certain areas.

Still, brief thunderstorms may break the heatwave in some areas on the evening of April 20.