According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF), Hanoi and other northern Vietnamese towns and provinces will experience blistering heat in the upcoming days. The capital city will have the hottest days in the next two months.

Vietnam's northern and central areas will endure sweltering temperatures from May 5 to May 7 due to low pressure and the potent Foehn wind effect.

The northeastern region will face heat waves with temperatures reaching up to 37 degrees Celsius on May 5 and 6, the NCHMF said, adding that the temperatures ranging from 37 to 39 degrees Celsius will bake the north central provinces between May 4 and 7.

An environmental worker in Hanoi tries to get the job done quickly to avoid spending a lot of time in the scorching sun because it is easy to get heatstroke, leading to dehydration. Photo: Pham Hung/ The Hanoi Times

“From mid-May, temperatures will increase by 1.5 degrees Celsius against those in the previous years. Some areas in the northwest will be 2 degrees hotter than usual," said Nguyen Van Huong, head of NCHF's climate forecasting department.

"The northern region will experience the highest temperature in June and July, while the central region will experience the highest temperature between late June and August," Huong stressed.

He added that due to the effects of El Nino, heat waves are likely to be more frequent and intense in 2023 than in 2022, and the number of scorching days is likely to be higher this year than the last.

Huong pointed out that because May marks the beginning of summer, heat waves and cold waves will collide, potentially resulting in severe weather conditions like tornadoes, hail, and strong winds during the storm.

"Due to the scorching heat, which increases energy consumption, residents should maintain a high vigilance for explosions and fires. In addition to increasing the risk of wildfires, extreme heat increases the likelihood of dehydration, exhaustion, and heat stroke, Huong warned.

People are encouraged to wear sunglasses, face masks, and gloves to protect their skin outdoors due to the intense heat and increased UV exposure.

To strengthen the immune system, the public should avoid outdoor activities between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., drink plenty of water, and eat a healthy diet.

This summer, the NCHMF predicts temperatures will soar to record highs in some areas of Vietnam, reaching as high as 39 to 42 degrees Celsius.