Heat waves push mercury above 37 degrees in northern, central Vietnam

At 1 p.m., weather stations of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting recorded temperatures of at least 36 degrees in 10 northern localities and five central localities, despite it not being the hottest period of the day.

Son La’s Phu Yen District recorded the highest temperature at over 38 degrees Celsius, while it was over 37 degrees at two stations in Hanoi’s Ha Dong and Dong Da Districts.

The northern province of Hoa Binh suffered temperatures of around 38 degrees, while it was around 37 degrees in other provinces like Hung Yen, Nam Dinh, Ha Nam and Ninh Binh.

In central Vietnam, Nghe An’s capital Vinh was the hottest location at over 38 degrees. Thanh Hoa’s Hoi Xuan and Tinh Gia districts saw temperatures of around 38 degrees, while Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh and Thua Thien-Hue provinces saw temperatures of around 37 degrees.

Compared to heatwaves in June, actual temperatures at the moment aren’t that high, but the feel factor is just as bad. According to the weather experts, low levels of moisture (45-65 percent) with long periods of temperatures over 35 degrees (11-17 hours) have contributed to the unpleasant sensation. Cloudy night skies also trap the heat longer near the ground, they say.

The ongoing heat wave in northern Vietnam should run its course until Wednesday and central Vietnam is only likely to have high heat in certain locations by then.

Authorities have issued warnings of fire hazards in residential areas due to higher electricity usage, and of forest fires in central Vietnam.

Heat waves in northern Vietnam typically begin towards the end of April and linger in May, June and July. Due to La Nina this year, the region enjoyed cool days in May, delaying the onset of heat until June.