The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) predicted that provinces and cities in northern Vietnam, including Hanoi, will endure their first hot weather of the Summer of 2023 with temperatures in some places reaching 35 degrees Celsius.

According to the center, the temperature in the capital city of Hanoi would rise to about 34 degrees Celsius on March 23.

The heat wave will continue through the weekend, with temperatures ranging from 34 to 36 degrees Celsius in the northwestern provinces of Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, Hoa Binh, Lao Cai, and Yen Bai, the NCHMF added.

A shipper covers himself from the scorching sun in Hanoi in 2022 summer. Photo: Pham Hung/ The Hanoi Times

The temperature in Hanoi in recent days hovered around 20-27 degrees Celsius, with fog in the morning and evening. According to the NCHMF, after peaking on March 22-23, Hanoi's temperature will gradually drop, down to 19-22 degrees on weekends.

Average temperatures in northern and north-central Vietnam between late March and early April will be 0.5-1.5 degrees higher than in previous years, while other areas will see little change, the NCHMF said.

Northern Vietnam could experience its hottest period from late May to July, although the heat would not be as intense and prolonged as last year, the center said.

From the beginning of this week, the scorching heat will be felt in the northwestern region and the north-central provinces of Thanh Hoa and Nghe An, as well as a wide area stretching from the central city of Danang to the southern province of Khanh Hoa, with temperatures reaching 35-38 degrees Celsius at noon.

As the scorching heat is accompanied by increased levels of UV rays, locals are advised to wear sunglasses, face masks, and gloves to protect their skin while on the move.

The population is also warned to avoid probable fires in residential areas, as well as forest fires, and it is advised to avoid outdoor activities from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., drink enough water and eat a proper diet to improve the immune system.

The mercury is expected to rise to a whopping 39-42 degrees Celsius in parts of Vietnam this Summer, with temperatures reaching all-time highs in some places, according to the NCHMF.

He also pointed out that because May is still the transition period from Spring to Summer, there is a collision between heat waves and cold waves, so extreme weather events such as tornadoes, hail, and strong winds may occur during the storm.