HCMC – Southern Vietnam, including HCMC and its neighboring provinces, are bracing for a heatwave as temperatures are forecast to peak at 37 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels hitting a low of 35%.
Temperatures are expected to remain at high levels for several days, posing significant risks to public health and fire safety, according to the latest report by the Southern Regional Hydrometeorological Center.
In the past 24 hours, monitoring stations recorded a sharp rise in temperatures in HCMC, reaching 35 degrees Celsius. Crucially, relative humidity has plummeted to 40.6%, creating parched and sweltering conditions. Over the next 24 to 48 hours, the heat is projected to concentrate in the city’s central and northern region, with common peaks between 35-36 degrees Celsius. However, localized areas such as Cu Chi Commune and Thu Dau Mot (in former Binh Duong Province) could hit the 37-degrees-Celsius threshold.
Meteorologists identify the window from 11:00 to 15:00 daily as the peak danger zone, when humidity may drop as low as 35%. Experts warn that these bone-dry conditions significantly elevate the risk of residential fires and wildfires. Prolonged outdoor exposure during these hours can lead to severe dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
The forecast for the next 72 to 120 hours shows no sign of relief, with temperatures consistently hovering between 35-37 degrees Celsius, and some areas potentially exceeding 37 degrees Celsius. Residents are advised to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, and exercise extreme caution with electrical appliances to prevent fire incidents.
