Temperature of over 40 degrees Celsius was recorded across Vietnam, including the capital city of Hanoi, during the ongoing National Reunification Day [April 30] and Labor Day [May 1], according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF).

A woman covers herself against the scorching sun on  April 28. Photo: Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times

Other nine northern provinces, namely Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, Hoa Binh, Lao Cai, Phu Tho, Hung Yen, Nam Dinh, and Ha Nam, reported temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. Ha Nam approached the highest heat intensity of 42 degrees Celsius.

In the central and southern regions, temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in all cities and provinces. In Ho Chi Minh City, the heat reached 40 degrees. Similarly, high temperatures were registered in the central provinces of Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Phu Yen, where temperatures even exceeded 43 degrees.

"Vietnam's record was measured indoors of 43.2 degrees at the Hoi Xuan weather station in northern Thanh Hoa province on April 28, breaking the 2019 record of 43 degrees Celsius," the NCHMF said.

It emphasized that the current heatwave is caused by a hot front spreading from the West combined with the Foehn wind effect. The heat wave is forecast to continue until May 1.

In the sweltering heat, Hanoi's tourist attractions are almost empty, even though it is a national holiday. A double-decker hop-on hop-off bus from Sightseeing Tour in Hanoi waits for visitors near the Opera House, but there is no one. Photo: VGP

The center warns that intense heat combined with low humidity and south-westerly winds could cause fires in forests and residential areas due to increased electricity use.

The high temperatures, combined with humidity levels of around 40-45% and light winds lead to a stifling atmosphere. The NCHMF has advised people against staying outside for long hours, as prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to dehydration, exhaustion, and heat stroke.

The center predicts that the average temperature across Vietnam in May will be one to two degrees higher than usual. In June, temperatures are forecast to be 0.5 to 1.5 degrees above normal.

The Guardian quoted scientists as saying that global warming was exacerbating severe weather.  “Vietnam yesterday recorded the highest-ever temperature of 43.2 degrees Celsius during the April heatwave and from the start of the year. Its neighboring countries registered record temperatures during a heatwave in Asia in April,” it said.

"This is an alarming statistic in the face of climate change. I think this record will be repeated many times. It proves that extreme climate patterns are being confirmed," Nguyen Hoang Minh, a hydrologist at the Hanoi-based National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, told The Hanoi Times. 

When people go out, they have to wear many layers of clothing and masks to protect their entire bodies from the fiery heat of Hanoi. Photo: Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times

A few tourists are walking around downtown Hanoi, around the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake. Those who stay for a while have to find a cool spot to avoid the sun. Photo: VGP

A flower seller takes a short nap in the shade of the trees. Photo: Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times