According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, on August 10, hot weather affected northern Vietnam, except Lai Chau and Dien Bien, as well as areas from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang and from eastern Quang Ngai to Gia Lai, with severe heat recorded in some locations.

W-Hà Nội nắng nóng (3).jpg
Northern Vietnam is experiencing an intense heatwave. Photo: Thach Thao

At 1pm, temperatures generally ranged from 35-37°C, with several locations climbing above 37°C, including Bac Ninh at 37.2°C, Lang station in Hanoi at 37.9°C, Nho Quan in Ninh Binh at 37.2°C and Quang Ngai at 37.1°C. Relative humidity at 1pm generally ranged between 50% and 60%.

The heatwave is forecast to continue on August 11-12 across northern Vietnam, except Lai Chau and Dien Bien, as well as areas from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang and from eastern Quang Ngai to Gia Lai, with severe heat expected in some places.

Highs are forecast to range from 35-37°C, exceeding 38°C in some areas. Minimum relative humidity is expected to range from 55% to 60%.

The national weather agency warned that hot conditions would persist across northern Vietnam, except in Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Quang Ninh and Hai Phong. In central Vietnam, the heatwave is likely to continue for several more days.

The combination of extreme heat and lower humidity increases the risk of fires and explosions in residential areas, particularly as demand for electricity rises.

Prolonged high temperatures can also lead to dehydration, especially for people working or spending extended periods outdoors. Residents are advised to drink plenty of water and limit direct exposure to the sun during the hottest periods of the day.

The weather agency also noted that temperatures given in heatwave forecasts may differ from actual outdoor temperatures by 1-3°C, or even more, depending on surface conditions such as concrete and asphalt.

Bao Anh