According to forecaster Nguyen Thi Hue from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the weather pattern causing the heatwave across northern and central Vietnam is expected to persist over the coming days.

Specifically, on May 24, both regions experienced severe and extreme heat. Temperature readings recorded at 1 p.m. showed many locations surpassing 38 degrees Celsius, including Vinh Yen in Phu Tho Province, Bac Ninh and Lang Station in Hanoi at 38.8 degrees Celsius, Vinh in Nghe An at 38.6 degrees Celsius, Ha Tinh at 38.8 degrees Celsius, Ba Don in Quang Tri at 38.4 degrees Celsius, Quang Ngai at 38.4 degrees Celsius and Hoai Nhon in Gia Lai at 38.2 degrees Celsius. Relative humidity dropped to as low as 40-50%.

Forecaster Nguyen Thi Hue said that from now until around May 27, northern Vietnam and the eastern areas stretching from Gia Lai to Lam Dong will continue to experience widespread heat and severe heatwaves, with maximum temperatures commonly ranging from 36 to 38 degrees Celsius and some areas exceeding 39 degrees Celsius. Relative humidity is expected to remain low at around 45-50%.

“Particularly in Hanoi, the combination of concrete buildings and asphalt roads intensifies the urban heat island effect, causing temperatures to rise above the regional average. Temperatures are forecast to fluctuate between 37 and 39 degrees Celsius, with some isolated areas potentially facing exceptionally severe heat exceeding 39 degrees Celsius,” Nguyen Thi Hue emphasized.

The widespread heatwave in northern Vietnam is expected to ease from May 28, likely ending by Thursday next week.

Meanwhile, central Vietnam remains the country’s hottest region, especially the provinces from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang and eastern Quang Ngai Province. Temperatures there are forecast to range between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius, with some areas exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

Coastal provinces in south-central Vietnam are expected to be slightly cooler but will still see temperatures between 36 and 38 degrees Celsius.

According to Nguyen Thi Hue, the heatwave in central Vietnam is expected to last through May 28 before gradually easing from May 29, roughly one day later than in northern Vietnam.

Meteorologists say northern and central Vietnam are now entering the most intense heatwave since the beginning of summer. Unlike the humid and stifling conditions earlier in the week, the current weather is characterized by dry, burning heat that can make skin feel scorched after just a few minutes outdoors.

Southeastern Vietnam is also experiencing hot weather, with daytime highs ranging from 35 to 36 degrees Celsius and some places surpassing 36 degrees Celsius. Relative humidity there is forecast at around 50-55%, with the hot spell likely lasting until May 27.

Warnings on electricity and heat safety

Meteorological authorities also noted that the forecast temperatures are measured under standard conditions inside weather shelters at a height of two meters above ground. Actual perceived temperatures outdoors may be 2-4 degrees Celsius higher, or even more depending on heat-retaining surfaces.

The combination of extreme heat and low humidity also raises the risk of fires and electrical incidents in densely populated residential areas due to surging electricity demand. Authorities urged residents to use electricity safely and take proactive measures to protect their health during the heatwave.

Bao Anh