Vietnam swelters under widespread heatwave, temperatures soar past 40 C

By Gia Chinh   April 7, 2026 | 04:54 pm PT Google Get VnExpress first in Google Search info See more of the news you trust. Make VnExpress a preferred source to prioritise our updates in your Google search results
Vietnam swelters under widespread heatwave, temperatures soar past 40 C
Riders in Ho Chi Minh City shield themselves from the scorching sun, April 2026. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran
Vietnam entered the second day of a widespread heatwave on Tuesday, with temperatures rising 1-2 degrees Celsius compared to Monday, and many locations in the northern and central regions recording readings above 40 C (104 F).

The northwestern region is experiencing extreme heat, with most areas recording between 35-37 C and some exceeding 39 C. Son La Province recorded the highest temperature at 40.2 C, while Lai Chau and Phu Tho approached 40 C.

The Red River Delta saw maximum temperatures of 35-36 C. Hanoi recorded 33-36 C, the city's highest since the start of the year. Due to the urban heat island effect, perceived temperatures may feel 2-4 C higher.

The north-central region remains the heatwave’s epicenter, with common temperatures of 38-39 C and some areas surpassing 39 C. Several locations in Nghe An Province recorded over 41 C, reaching up to 42 C, while Ha Tinh Province exceeded 40 C. The heat has spread to the central coast, with Da Nang hitting 39 C, Quang Ngai 38 C, and Dak Lak 39 C.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, a western low-pressure heat zone combined with foehn winds is driving temperatures higher, creating dry, oppressive conditions. The Central Highlands and southern regions, influenced by stable air masses, experience strong sunshine with little cloud cover.

Regional variations are significant: the northwest and central areas face dry, intense heat with readings of 37-39 C and central locations exceeding 40 C. The south sees prolonged but slightly milder heat of 35-37 C.

The northern heatwave is expected to persist until around April 12, easing gradually afterward. Central regions may remain hot until April 13-14, while the south could experience intermittent hot spells until the end of April.

AccuWeather forecasts peak heat in Hanoi from April 9, with temperatures ranging 28-38 C before dropping to 34-35 C. High-altitude areas above 1,500 meters, such as Sa Pa, will see 17-29 C through the weekend.

Meteorological authorities warn that extreme heat combined with low humidity increases the risk of fires and explosions in residential areas due to higher electricity demand and can lead to dehydration during prolonged exposure.

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