Hanoi recorded temperatures nearing 41 degrees C on 24/6, the highest nationwide, as an exceptionally intense heatwave enveloped many northern and central provinces. Intense sunlight appeared across the capital from early morning. Clear skies caused temperatures to rise quickly, with many areas exceeding 35 degrees C after 7h. By midday, temperatures climbed sharply due to a western hot low-pressure area and the urban heat island effect. The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported Lang station at 40,8 degrees C, the country's peak. Other Hanoi areas also registered high readings: Ha Dong at 40,3 degrees C, Son Tay at 40 degrees C, Hoai Duc at 39,8 degrees C, and Ba Vi at 39,1 degrees C. City temperatures increased by 1-2 degrees C from the previous day.

Hanoi residents commuting in the heat, midday 24/6. Photo: The Bang

Beyond Hanoi, the heatwave extended across northern and central Vietnam. Northern localities recorded temperatures from 39 to over 40 degrees C, including Phu Ly (Ninh Binh) at 40,8 degrees C, Nam Dinh (Ninh Binh) at 40,4 degrees C, Vinh Yen (Phu Tho) at 40 degrees C, Tuyen Quang at 39,5 degrees C, Bac Ninh at 39,4 degrees C, and Thai Nguyen at 39 degrees C. In the central region, many areas also surpassed 40 degrees C: Tinh Gia (Thanh Hoa) reached 40,8 degrees C, Khe Sanh (Quang Tri) 40,6 degrees C, Dong Hoi (Quang Tri) 40,5 degrees C, Sam Son (Thanh Hoa) 40,3 degrees C. Huong Khe and Ky Anh (Ha Tinh) both recorded 40,2 degrees C, while Nam Dong (TP Hue) and Tam Ky (Da Nang) registered 40 degrees C.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting predicts continued heat for the northern midland and delta regions on 25/6, with some areas facing intense conditions. Peak temperatures are expected to range from 36-38 degrees C, with isolated spots exceeding 38 degrees C. The heat in the northern region is set to gradually decrease from 26/6. Conversely, from 25 to 26/6, intense to exceptionally intense heat will persist from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang and across the eastern provinces from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak. Highest temperatures in these areas will commonly range from 37-39 degrees C, with some places surpassing 40 degrees C.

This prolonged heatwave, combined with low humidity, increases the risk of fires in residential areas and forests, posing a significant health threat, especially for outdoor workers. Even after the sun sets near 19h, many streets remain stifling due to roads, concrete structures, and buildings absorbing heat throughout the day. The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting warns that actual outdoor temperatures can feel 2-4 degrees C higher than official measurements from standard meteorological shelters. This effect is amplified in areas with heat-absorbing surfaces like asphalt roads and concrete structures, or in places with sparse greenery.

Gia Chinh