On the fourth day of the widespread heatwave, many areas in the northern and central regions continued to record escalating temperatures. Hanoi remained the hottest nationwide, with 41,1 degrees Celsius recorded at Lang station, an increase of nearly 0,5 degrees Celsius compared to yesterday, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting. Four other stations, including Ba Vi, Hoai Duc, Son Tay, and Ha Dong, recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius.

In the northern midlands and mountainous areas, the heatwave continued to intensify. Yen Chau, Son La, recorded over 39 degrees Celsius. Measurement points in Lac Son, Chi Ne (Hoa Binh), Vinh Yen (Phu Tho), Hoang Su Phi, and Bac Me (Tuyen Quang) all exceeded 40 degrees Celsius.

Many delta provinces, such as Hung Yen and Phu Ly (Ninh Binh), also recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, while other areas in the northern region generally ranged from 38 to 39 degrees Celsius. According to meteorological standards: temperatures from 35 to below 37 degrees Celsius are considered heat; from 37 to below 39 degrees Celsius are severe heat; and 39 degrees Celsius and above are extremely severe heat.

At 5 p.m. on 26/5, the sun remained intense, and Cau Giay Park was deserted. Photo: Gia Chinh

In the central region, Do Luong, Nghe An, also reached 41,1 degrees Celsius, matching Hanoi's highest temperature. Other locations such as Hoi Xuan, Tinh Gia (Thanh Hoa), and Dong Hoi (Quang Tri) hovered around 40 degrees Celsius.

The area south of Hai Van Pass continued to see rising temperatures. Tam Ky, Da Nang, Quang Ngai, and Hoai Nhon (Gia Lai) all exceeded 39 degrees Celsius, with Tuy Hoa reaching 40 degrees Celsius.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting predicts that tomorrow, the northern delta, Phu Tho, and the area from Thanh Hoa to Hue will continue to experience severe and extremely severe heat, with peak temperatures generally between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius, some areas exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Relative humidity will be low, only 40-45%, with the heat lasting from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Remaining areas in the northern region and the south central coast will generally see temperatures of 36-38 degrees Celsius, with some locations above 39 degrees Celsius.

By 28/5, the heatwave in the northern region will gradually decrease in intensity but remain widespread. The northern midlands, delta, and south central coast will generally see temperatures of 35-37 degrees Celsius, with some areas above 37 degrees Celsius. From Thanh Hoa to Hue, severe heat will persist, with peak temperatures of 37-39 degrees Celsius, and some areas exceeding 39 degrees Celsius.

Meteorological agencies anticipate the widespread heatwave in the northern region will largely end from 29/5, while the central region will see a gradual reduction in intensity.

The prolonged heatwave also increases the risk of forest fires nationwide. According to the monitoring system of the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection, over the past 24 hours, 66 forest fires were recorded. Over 1.700 locations were warned of forest fire risk, with nearly 700 points at an extremely dangerous level—the highest alert. These extremely high-risk areas are concentrated in Bac Ninh, Gia Lai, Quang Tri, Lam Dong, Quang Ngai, Dak Lak, and Phu Tho.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting warns that severe and extremely severe heat, combined with low humidity, increases the risk of: fires and explosions in residential areas, forest fires, and power grid overload.

Residents should limit outdoor activities during peak sun hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., stay hydrated, and take health precautions to avoid dehydration, exhaustion, or heatstroke. Actual outdoor temperatures can feel 2-4 degrees Celsius higher than forecast, and even more so in areas with extensive concrete, asphalt roads, and sparse greenery.

>>See detailed 7-day temperature forecast here.

Gia Chinh