The ongoing heatwave in Northern and Central Vietnam has led to temperatures soaring close to 40°C, raising concerns among residents and officials alike. On August 11, several locations in the Northern and Central regions recorded extreme temperatures, with some areas experiencing severe heat. For instance, the station in Bắc Mê (Tuyên Quang) reached 39.6°C, while Hà Nội recorded 38°C.

According to Mai Văn Khiêm, Director of the National Center for Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting, the widespread heatwave is attributed to a divergence of winds influenced by Typhoon Dolphin, which made landfall in Zhejiang and Fujian provinces of China. This wind pattern has shifted the airflow in Northern and Central Vietnam to a dry north to northwest direction, resulting in intense sunlight and rising temperatures.

Despite the seasonal transition into autumn, the emergence of such high temperatures in Northern Vietnam is not considered unusual. The meteorological agency forecasts that the heatwave will persist until approximately August 13, with daily maximum temperatures ranging from 35 to 36°C, and some areas exceeding 36°C. In Central Vietnam, the heat is expected to last until the end of the week, with temperatures commonly between 35 and 37°C.

Authorities have warned that the combination of high temperatures and low humidity levels increases the risk of fires and explosions in residential areas due to heightened electricity consumption. Additionally, prolonged exposure to these high temperatures can lead to dehydration in individuals.

Historical data from 2020 to 2025 indicates that August typically witnesses around 2 to 3 heatwaves. Notably, in August 2020, there were three heatwaves totaling 17 days with temperatures averaging between 36 and 38°C. Historical records have shown that several meteorological stations in Northern Vietnam have exceeded the 40°C mark, such as Hà Giang reaching 40.7°C in 2016 and Láng (Hà Nội) hitting 40.3°C in 2025.

Interestingly, on August 9, 2026, the Bắc Mê station recorded a daily high of 39.9°C, surpassing the previous historical value for the same period in August, which was 39.5°C in 2021. Thus, temperatures nearing 40°C in August, while rare, are not unprecedented.