June 12 saw several localities such as Son La, Hoa Binh, Hanoi, and Hai Duong in the northern region, and Thanh Hoa, Quang Ngai and Binh Dinh in the central region record daytime temperatures of between 36-38℃. Relative humidity fell to a common low of 55%.

The heat wave is expected to increase its intensity on June 13, sending temperatures rising to 37-39℃ and humidity dropping to 50%. Some mountainous localities are even likely to record higher temperatures, at more than 39℃.

The heat wave is forecast to diminish in the northern region as of June 15, but to last for several days more in the central region.

Experts say that the El Nino phenomenon will probably change to La Nina by the end of the year, meaning heat waves are likely to occur more frequently, and the emergence of La Nina will bring more rain to regions across the world, including Vietnam.

Vietnam endured 20 heat waves in 2023 - the year with the most widespread heat waves over the past six years and five more than the average seen in recent years.

Notably, the temperature in Tuong Duong district of central Nghe An province rose to a high of 44.2°C on May 7, 2023 -  the highest temperature recorded in the country’s meteorological history.

VOV