Vietnam Faces Early Heatwave in Northern and Central Regions

Photo courtesy of VN Express

Vietnam is experiencing its first heatwave of 2026 starting March 30, with northern and central regions seeing peak temperatures of 35-37 degrees Celsius. Some areas may even exceed 38 degrees, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF). This early arrival marks the earliest widespread heatwave in decades, impacting areas weeks ahead of typical schedules.

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The northwestern region usually sees its first heatwave between April 8 and 21, while the northeast waits until May. However, this year, heat will arrive 15 to 25 days earlier than usual. The Thanh Hoa-to-Hue corridor, normally experiencing its first hot spell in early April, will be similarly affected by this early onset.

Following a notably warm winter with average temperatures of 18.21 degrees, March 30 to April 2 will see widespread heat. The Red River Delta, including Hanoi, might experience temperatures of 35-36 degrees, while Sa Pa could see highs of 26 degrees. The premature heatwave is linked to the ENSO phenomenon's warm phase, highlighting a trend towards longer heatwaves in tropical regions like Vietnam.

The early heatwave raises concerns about residential and forest fires due to falling humidity. Prolonged exposure might lead to dehydration and heat-related illnesses. The NCHMF warns that these conditions are likely to expand in April, reaching wider areas by late May, with the risk of extreme weather events increasing throughout the summer, reported VN Express.

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