Vietnam heat wave sends temperatures to 43 degrees

The high heat over the last three days has been attributed to low pressure moving in from the west combined with the Foehn effect.

Some 15 localities have recorded temperatures of between 39-43 degrees.

The hightest temperature in the north central Nghe An Province hit 43 degrees, and in the northwestern Son La Province topped 42 degrees.

Hanoi weather stations have recorded temperatures of between 35-37 degrees, while perceived temperatures could be 2-3 degrees higher than that.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that the northwest regions and areas from Thanh Hoa to Phu Yen would see temperatures between 37-41 degrees on Saturday, before slightly dropping to 36-38 degrees on Sunday.

Temperatures in Hanoi and northern Vietnam would also decrease starting Sunday, thanks to an incoming cold front, according to experts.

U.S. weather forecast service AccuWeather has said that Hanoi temperatures would be between 28-38 degrees on Saturday, before dropping to 23-31 degrees on Sunday and 22-26 degrees on Monday. High-altitude areas like Sa Pa in Lao Cai Province near the Chinese border would see temperatures between 18-29 degrees over the weekend, before dropping to 17-21 degrees on Monday, according to meteorologists.

Southern Vietnam and the Central Highlands are expected to see their highest temperatures reach 35-37 degrees on Saturday. Afternoon rains are expected in the two regions May 7-12.

Harsh sunlight and low air humidity of 30-50% may increase the risk of fire and explosions due to heightened electricity demands, meteorology institutions have warned.

Temperatures across Vietnam are expected to be 0.5-1.5 degrees higher than average from previous years this month. Northern and central Vietnam are expecting higher heat and fewer rains and storms due to the effects of El Nino.