Ho Chi Minh City braces for 38 C heat, unseasonal rains in March

At the same time, unseasonal rainfall is expected to increase compared with February and could exceed the multi-year average.

According to the Hydrometeorological Observatory of the Southern Region, weather patterns in early March will be influenced primarily by the southern edge of a continental cold high-pressure system. From mid- to late March, this system is forecast to weaken.

A western low-pressure zone is expected to intensify and expand eastward around mid-month, affecting southern China and northern Vietnam.

At higher altitudes, a subtropical high-pressure ridge will remain active over central and southern areas. Northeasterly winds over waters east of southern Vietnam are forecast to range from weak to moderate, gradually shifting to easterly and southeasterly toward the end of the month.

As a result, southern localities are likely to record three to seven days of unseasonal rain in March, an increase from February levels.

Total monthly rainfall is forecast at 30-60 mm in HCMC, Dong Nai, Vinh Long and Can Tho; 40-70 mm in Ca Mau; and 25-55 mm in Dong Thap, An Giang and Tay Ninh.

Average temperatures are also expected to rise. In HCMC, daytime highs will generally range from 31-35 C, with some days reaching 36-38 C. Across the southeastern region, peak temperatures could climb to 36-39 C.

These figures are measured in standard meteorological shelters; actual heat index values may be 2-4 C higher. Overnight lows are forecast at 23-26 C, with some areas dropping below 23 C.