HCMC – A widespread heatwave is sweeping across Vietnam, with daytime temperatures soaring to nearly 40 degrees Celsius in some areas. Southern provinces are expected to endure the extreme heat through April 24, before cooler, wetter conditions begin to emerge.
According to the Southern Regional Hydro-Meteorological Center, the extreme heat is being caused by a combination of low-pressure and high-pressure weather systems. These systems are trapping hot air over the region, reported the local media.
In the southeastern region, including HCMC, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, and Tay Ninh, temperatures have reached up to 37 degrees Celsius.
The highest temperature so far was recorded in Tri An, Dong Nai Province, at 37.5 degrees. Other parts of the region are also seeing widespread heat, with slightly lower but still intense temperatures.
The heatwave is expected to ease gradually from April 25, when scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast to begin in parts of the region. A seasonal transition may bring more widespread and intense rainfall between April 25 and 27.
Nationwide, the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that high temperatures were also recorded in the northern mountainous and midland areas, and from Nghe An to Phu Yen, as well as the Central Highlands and southern provinces.
Many locations experienced maximum temperatures between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius, with some areas surpassing 38 degrees.
The heatwave persisted across northern and central regions on April 21 and 22, with Thanh Hoa to Phu Yen provinces seeing localized extreme heat above 38 degrees.
Authorities have advised the public to take precautions against heat-related health risks such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, especially with actual outdoor temperatures potentially two to four degrees higher than those reported in forecasts.
Authorities are also warning of increased risks of fires in homes and forests due to dry conditions and higher electricity usage.
