The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has announced that Northern Vietnam is expected to experience its most severe heat wave around June 24, with temperatures generally ranging from 36 to 39 degrees Celsius, and some areas possibly exceeding 39 degrees Celsius.

As of June 22, temperatures in the region from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang and eastern provinces from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak have already reached highs of 36-38 degrees Celsius, with specific locations recording even higher temperatures. For instance, Kỳ Anh in Ha Tinh recorded 38.2 degrees Celsius, while Dong Hoi in Quang Tri reached 38.7 degrees Celsius, and Dong Ha in Quang Tri hit 39.3 degrees Celsius.

On June 23 and 24, temperatures in the Northern region (excluding Lai Chau and Dien Bien) are expected to remain high, with maximum temperatures typically between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius, and some areas exceeding 37 degrees Celsius. The relative humidity is forecasted to drop to between 55 and 60 percent.

June 24 is anticipated to be the peak day of the heat wave, particularly in the lowland areas of Northern Vietnam, where temperatures could reach 36 to 38 degrees Celsius, with some places exceeding 39 degrees Celsius. The relative humidity in these areas is expected to be between 50 and 55 percent.

From Thanh Hoa to Quang Tri, the next two days will see severe and exceptionally severe heat, with maximum temperatures ranging from 37 to 39 degrees Celsius, and some areas possibly exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. The relative humidity in these regions is expected to be between 45 and 50 percent.

In the areas from Hue to Da Nang and eastern provinces from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak, temperatures are also expected to be high, ranging from 36 to 38 degrees Celsius, with some areas exceeding 39 degrees Celsius.

The meteorological agency predicts that the heat wave in Northern Vietnam may last until June 25, after which temperatures are expected to drop significantly. However, the heat in the regions from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang and eastern provinces from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak may persist for several more days.

Authorities have issued a level 1 warning for the risk of natural disasters due to the heat. The combination of high temperatures and low humidity raises concerns about potential fires and explosions in residential areas due to increased electricity usage, as well as the risk of dehydration for individuals exposed to high temperatures for extended periods.

It is important to note that the actual temperatures experienced outdoors may differ from the forecasted values by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius or more, depending on local conditions such as concrete and asphalt surfaces.