A fierce heatwave is gripping northern and central Vietnam, with Hanoi recording temperatures near 40°C. The heat is expected to continue intensifying across the region through June 2.

Today (June 1), intense heat blanketed the northern delta, western Thanh Hoa - Nghe An mountain areas, and Hoa Binh, with some places experiencing exceptionally severe conditions.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, temperatures at 1:00 p.m. ranged from 35°C to 38°C in many areas, with some exceeding 38°C. Specific readings include: Lang (Hanoi) at 39.4°C, Ha Dong (Hanoi) at 39°C, Lac Son (Hoa Binh) at 38.8°C, Phu Ly (Ha Nam) at 38.7°C, Bai Thuong (Thanh Hoa) at 38.1°C, and Do Luong (Nghe An) at 38.2°C. Relative humidity remained between 45% and 55%.

Tomorrow’s forecast (June 2): The extreme heat is forecast to persist across the northern delta, north-central coast, and Hoa Binh, with some areas expected to hit above 39°C. Average highs will range from 37°C to 39°C.

Other parts of the northern, central, and south-central regions will also endure high temperatures, generally from 35°C to 37°C, with isolated areas exceeding 38°C. Humidity will continue to be low, around 45%–50%.

On June 3, the heat will linger in central and south-central Vietnam, with temperatures ranging from 35°C to 37°C, and some areas surpassing 38°C. In the north-central region, localized heat above 35°C is expected, while the heatwave will subside in northern Vietnam.

Meteorologists warn that the widespread heat in the central region is likely to last for several more days. Although the intensity may ease slightly on June 4–5, high temperatures will persist.

The prolonged heat, combined with low humidity, is straining electricity demand. There’s an increased risk of residential and forest fires, dehydration, exhaustion, and heatstroke - especially during prolonged exposure outdoors.

Actual "feels-like" temperatures could be 2–4°C higher, or even more, in areas with dense concrete and asphalt surfaces.

Bao Anh