The Northern and Central regions of Vietnam are currently facing a severe heatwave, with temperatures reaching alarming levels. According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, today, June 23, the mountainous and midland areas of Northern Vietnam are experiencing scorching heat, with maximum temperatures commonly between 36-38 degrees Celsius, and some areas exceeding 38 degrees. Notably, Hòa Bình in Phú Thọ recorded a temperature of 38.8 degrees Celsius, while Hàm Yên in Tuyên Quang reached 38.4 degrees Celsius.

In the lowlands of Northern Vietnam, as well as in provinces from Thanh Hóa to Đà Nẵng and the eastern regions from Quảng Ngãi to Đắk Lắk, extreme heat is widespread. Temperatures here are generally between 37-39 degrees Celsius, with many locations surpassing 39 degrees. In Hanoi, the Láng station recorded a temperature of 39.8 degrees Celsius, with four other stations—Ba Vì, Sơn Tây, Hoài Đức, and Hà Đông—also reporting temperatures above 39 degrees Celsius.

As of 6 PM on June 23, the sun was still blazing on Nguyễn Chí Thanh street in Hanoi, indicating the intensity of the heat. Other areas are also nearing or exceeding 39 degrees Celsius, such as Phủ Lý in Ninh Bình at 39.2 degrees Celsius, Tĩnh Gia in Thanh Hóa at 39.2 degrees Celsius, Hương Khê in Hà Tĩnh at 39.5 degrees Celsius, and Đông Hà in Quảng Trị at 39.7 degrees Celsius. Notably, Tam Kỳ in Đà Nẵng hit 40.3 degrees Celsius, Tuy Hòa in Đắk Lắk reached 40 degrees Celsius, and Ba Tơ in Quảng Ngãi recorded 39.6 degrees Celsius.

The meteorological agency predicts that the severe heat will continue in Northern Vietnam for the next two days, with temperatures generally between 36-38 degrees Celsius, and some areas exceeding 38 degrees. By June 25, the intensity of the heat is expected to slightly decrease, with maximum temperatures between 35-36 degrees Celsius, and some areas exceeding 37 degrees.

Meanwhile, the midlands and eastern provinces from Gia Lai to Đắk Lắk will continue to experience extreme heat, with maximum temperatures ranging from 37-39 degrees Celsius, and some areas exceeding 39 degrees. In the lowlands of Northern Vietnam, Thanh Hóa to Đà Nẵng, and the eastern part of Quảng Ngãi, the heat will remain intense, with temperatures commonly between 38-40 degrees Celsius, and some areas surpassing 40 degrees. The lowest humidity levels are expected to be around 45-50%.

The meteorological agency warns that due to the prolonged severe heat combined with low humidity, the risk of fires and explosions in residential areas increases due to high electricity consumption. Additionally, the risk of forest fires is also high in many localities. Health authorities recommend that people limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day and ensure adequate hydration and electrolytes to avoid dehydration, exhaustion, or heat shock.

It's important to note that the temperatures forecasted in meteorological tents may be 2 to 4 degrees Celsius lower than the actual temperatures felt outdoors, especially in areas with heat-absorbing surfaces like concrete and asphalt.