VietNamNet Bridge – The National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecast says that so far this year the north and central region of Vietnam have suffered three record-high heat waves, which occurred from May to July.

Parents were waiting for their children under the sun during the high-school final exams in Hanoi last week.

In some places, the highest-ever temperature was measured during these heat spells.

In Hanoi, the highest-ever temperature of 39.6 degrees Celsius on May 16, 2013 was broken on May 28, 2015 when the temperature was up to 40 degrees Celsius.

On July 1, the temperature in some places in Hanoi rose to a new record level of 40.1 degrees Celsius. Even Ba Vi, which is usually cool all the year round, the temperature was 39.9 degrees Celsius.

Notably, in the heat spell in late June – early July, the temperature in Hanoi did not reduce to 27-29 degrees Celsius at night as usual, but still remained at 34-35 degrees Celsius.

The record high temperature was also measured in Hoa Binh province – 40.6 degrees Celsius - and Ninh Binh, with 41.5 degrees Celsius in May.

In the central area, heat wave has been prolonged since May. The highest temperature measured in Con Cuong (Nghe An province) was up to 42.7 degrees Celsius, exceeding the previous historical level of 41.5 degrees Celsius.

Mr. Nguyen Duc Hoa, a senior expert from the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecast, said that it is unprecedented that three heat waves occurred in a short period of time.

Hoa said hot weather will remain in the North in July but the heat will not be as high as the previous time.

He said the cause of the prolonged heat waves was impact of the low pressure but the more extensive cause was the El Nino phenomenon.

Mr. Le Thanh Hai, Deputy Director of the National Hydrometeorological Center also said that 1-2 heatwaves would occur in July, but the temperature will be at 35-37 degrees Celsius and they will not last long. Interwoven between the heatwave will be rain and thunderstorms.

Weather experts also forecast 1-2 storms and tropical depression in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea), which may directly affect Vietnam's mainland.

In related news, the storm named Linda has entered the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea), becoming the second storm to hit Vietnam this year. It is forecast to move north and then north-northeast direction in the coming days at 5-10km/h.

Weather officials said that the storm's impacts would see strong winds and rough seas with three-five-metre-high waves. Heavy downpours, thunderstorms and whirlwinds were expected last night across the country.

Minh Anh