Heat waves sweep through northern Vietnam

By Gia Chinh June 13, 2024 | 08:21 pm PT

Little traffic is seen on the street during a hot sunny day in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Thanh

Twenty three out of 25 northern Vietnam localities experienced heat waves on Thursday, with 14 recording temperatures over 37 degrees Celsius.

A low-pressure area in the west triggered widespread heat waves in the north starting June 11, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting. Temperatures in Hanoi were the highest across the whole country, at 39.5 degrees, followed by certain areas in Ha Nam and Hoa Binh, with temperatures at 39 degrees.

Temperatures above 37 degrees were recorded in 12 other provinces, which are Yen Bai, Tuyen Quang, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Cao Bang, Bac Giang, Hai Duong, Hung Yen, Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh and Thai Binh.

In central Vietnam, localities from Thanh Hoa to Binh Thuan continued to see hot sunny days, with temperatures at 35-39 degrees.

Heat waves are expected to persist in northern Vietnam until the end of Friday, with the highest temperatures at around 38 degrees and air moisture levels at 55-60%, according to the center. Starting Saturday, temperatures would gradually drop thanks to rains.

Central Vietnam however should expect more sunny days in the coming times. Within the next two days, areas from Thanh Hoa to Binh Thuan would see their highest temperatures at 39 degrees.

Heat waves, combined with low air moisture levels, may increase fire risks due to heightened power demand, as well as risks of forest fire, the center said.