Hanoi records highest temperature of the year

This temperature marks an increase of two degrees from the previous day and a rise of six degrees since April 25.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting noted that other measuring stations across the capital, including those in Ba Vi, Son Tay, Hoai Duc, and Ha Dong, also registered temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. The Ba Vi station recorded a temperature surpassing 41 degrees Celsius.

These readings were taken inside meteorological tents, and the actual outdoor temperatures were likely two to four degrees higher, varying by terrain.

In northern Vietnam, nine provinces Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, Hoa Binh, Lao Cai, Phu Tho, Hung Yen, Nam Dinh, and Ha Nam reported temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. Ha Nam approached 42 degrees, while Hoa Binh saw the highest heat intensity with four out of five stations reporting temperatures above 41 degrees Celsius.

The high heat combined with air humidity levels of around 40-45% and light winds contributed to a stifling atmosphere. Perceived temperatures increased towards the evening as heat radiated from the roads.

In central Vietnam, provinces from Thanh Hoa to Phu Yen also faced temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Tuong Duong District in Nghe An Province recorded the day’s highest temperature in the country, topping 43 degrees Celsius. Similar high temperatures were noted in Tinh Gia of Thanh Hoa, Huong Khe of Ha Tinh, Dong Hoi of Quang Binh, and Dong Ha of Quang Tri.

Meteorological forecasts predict intense heat for the provinces of Son La, Hoa Binh, and the region from Thanh Hoa to Phu Yen over the next two days, with maximum temperatures expected to range from 39 to 42 degrees Celsius, and some areas possibly surpassing 42 degrees. The minimum humidity levels in these regions are anticipated to be between 30-35%.

Other northern provinces are expected to see their highest temperatures range from 36 to 39 degrees Celsius, with certain areas potentially exceeding 39 degrees.

The minimum humidity levels in these areas will likely range from 40-45%. This weather pattern is predicted to persist until Tuesday, after which a gradual cooling may occur due to an incoming weak cold air mass.

Meteorologists warn that the combination of extreme heat and low humidity increases the risks of forest fires and residential explosions due to heightened electricity consumption. The conditions can also lead to dehydration, exhaustion, and heat stroke from prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting projects that the average temperature across Vietnam this May will be one to two degrees Celsius above the norm. In June, temperatures are expected to be 0.5 to 1.5 degrees Celsius higher than typical.

From May through July, heat waves are anticipated to continue across northern Vietnam, the north central coast, the central coast, and the central highlands.

The frequency of these heat waves is expected to exceed the average, with four to five waves in the northwestern region, three to four in the northeast, and six to eight in the Red River Delta.

The provinces from Thanh Hoa to Thua Thien - Hue in the central region are projected to experience seven to nine heat waves, while the stretch from Da Nang to Binh Thuan may see four to six, and the central highlands three to four.