A widespread heatwave is sweeping across Vietnam with intense severity, as temperatures in many areas have exceeded 40°C. Meteorological authorities have warned that the central region has reached level 2 disaster risk, with the heat expected to persist.

On the afternoon of April 8, Mai Van Khiem, Director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, provided updates on the ongoing heatwave affecting the country.

According to the report, the heatwave has been driven by the influence of a western low-pressure hot zone, combined with strong foehn wind effects. Since April 3, central provinces from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang, along with eastern parts of Quang Ngai and Gia Lai, have experienced widespread heat and intense heat, with some locations reaching extreme levels.

Temperatures in these areas have commonly ranged from 36°C to 39°C. Notably, provinces from Nghe An to Quang Tri recorded peak temperatures of 39-40°C between April 6 and 8, with some locations exceeding 41°C, such as Tay Hieu (Nghe An) at 41.9°C and Con Cuong (Nghe An) at 41.3°C.

In the northwest region, temperatures have ranged from 36°C to 38°C, with some areas surpassing 39°C, including Muong Te (Lai Chau) at 39.9°C and Phu Yen (Son La), Mai Chau (Hoa Binh) at 40.2°C.

The Central Highlands and southern regions have also experienced widespread heat, with temperatures between 35°C and 37°C, and some areas exceeding 37°C.

Central region reaches level 2 heat disaster risk

Khiem noted that the western low-pressure zone remains active, continuing to intensify foehn winds across central provinces. Meanwhile, a subtropical high-pressure system persists over the Central Highlands and southern regions.

As a result, from April 9 to 13, the northwest region is expected to continue experiencing intense heat, with temperatures ranging from 36°C to 39°C, and some areas exceeding 39°C.

In the northeast, localized heat is expected on April 9, expanding across the region from April 10 to 13, with temperatures between 35°C and 37°C, and some areas above 37°C.

In central Vietnam, particularly from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang and parts of Quang Ngai and Gia Lai, intense heat is forecast from April 9 to 14, with temperatures ranging from 36°C to 39°C. The epicenter of the heatwave will be from Nghe An to Hue, where temperatures are expected to reach 39-40°C, with some areas exceeding 41°C.

The Central Highlands and southern regions will continue to experience widespread heat from April 9 to 14, with temperatures between 35°C and 37°C.

Khiem assessed that the disaster risk level due to heat is generally at level 1 across most regions, but reaches level 2 in areas from Nghe An to Hue.

“This level is defined when daily maximum temperatures range from 37°C to 39°C, persist for two to three consecutive days, and occur across a wide area, typically spanning two or more provinces,” he explained.

At this level, heat conditions begin to significantly affect public health, as well as production and daily activities. The assessment also considers factors such as low humidity, the intensity of foehn winds and the duration of the heatwave.

After April 14, temperatures are expected to gradually decline.

Hotter months ahead with rising El Nino risk

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting predicts that in April 2026, heat will intensify across most regions, with higher severity than the multi-year average, particularly in the northwest, central provinces from Thanh Hoa to Hue, and the south.

Average temperatures in April are forecast to be 1.5-2.5°C higher than usual in northern regions and from Thanh Hoa to Hue, while other areas may see increases of 0.5-1.5°C.

From May onward, heatwaves are expected to become more frequent, especially in the north and central regions, intensifying through August before gradually subsiding from September.

The heat in 2026 is forecast to be more frequent and severe than in 2025.

Meteorological authorities also note that actual perceived temperatures outdoors may be 2-4°C higher than official forecasts, depending on surface conditions such as concrete and asphalt.

Prolonged heat, combined with dry foehn winds, increases the risk of fires in residential areas due to rising electricity demand, as well as forest fire risks. It also raises the likelihood of dehydration, exhaustion and heatstroke for those exposed to high temperatures for extended periods.

Since early 2026, forecasts have consistently indicated a growing likelihood of El Nino forming toward the end of the year. Recent updates suggest a 70-80% probability of its development, potentially lasting into 2027.

Most climate models indicate that El Nino could reach strong intensity, with sea surface temperature anomalies in the Nino 3.4 region comparable to major past events such as 1982-1983, 1997-1998 and 2015-2016, when the Oceanic Nino Index exceeded +2.0°C and caused significant global climate impacts.

However, some models present more extreme scenarios, potentially surpassing previous records. Meteorological experts caution that long-term ENSO forecasts remain uncertain, particularly during seasonal transitions, making it too early to confirm the likelihood of a “super El Nino”.

The center continues to closely monitor developments and will provide timely updates.

 
Bao Anh