Northern Vietnam entered the third day of a heatwave today caused by a hot low-pressure system in the west. The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that while 10 provinces and cities experienced temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius on 1/8, the number increased to 13 out of 15 today, with temperatures commonly reaching 37-39 degrees Celsius – the threshold for severe heatwave conditions.

In Hanoi, 4 out of 5 monitoring stations recorded temperatures above 39 degrees Celsius. Lang station recorded the highest temperature at 39.7 degrees, while Hoai Duc had the lowest at 38.5 degrees Celsius, both increasing by 1-3 degrees compared to yesterday. Other stations recording temperatures above 39 degrees Celsius included Nho Quan and Phu Ly (Ninh Binh); Lac Son and Hoa Binh (Phu Tho). These temperatures were measured inside weather stations. Actual outdoor temperatures can be 1-3 degrees higher depending on the terrain.

Hanoi under the heat. Photo: Giang Huy

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting warned that the intense heat combined with low humidity could cause discomfort. People working outdoors may experience dehydration, exhaustion, or heatstroke. The heat also increases the risk of fire and explosions.

The heatwave in northern Vietnam is forecast to last until the end of tomorrow. A low-pressure trough bringing rain will then cause temperatures to drop for about two days.

Accuweather forecasts Hanoi's temperature tomorrow to range between 30-40 degrees Celsius, decreasing to 26-32 degrees by mid-week. High-altitude areas above 1,500 meters, like Sa Pa (Lao Cai), will experience temperatures around 19-21 degrees Celsius by mid-week.

Northern Vietnam experienced three heatwaves in July. The first lasted two days, 8-9/7, the second lasted three days, 17-19/7, and the third lasted four days, 28-31/7. Temperatures were generally 0.5-1.5 degrees Celsius higher than the average for the same period in previous years.

The forecast for August predicts heatwaves will concentrate in the first half of the month before gradually decreasing. Average temperatures are expected to be approximately the same as the average for many years.

Gia Chinh

>>See the 7-day weather forecast here.