Severe heat wave grips Northern and Central Vietnam

From June 21 through June 23, a strong heat wave spread across northern and central Vietnam. Temperatures in the northern plain reached 36‑38 °C, with some locations exceeding 39 °C, while the central belt from Thanh Hóa to Quảng Trị recorded highs of 37‑40 °C, the record 40 °C observed in Đông Hà, Quảng Trị.

Meteorological forecasts warned that the heat would intensify on June 24, with peaks of 37‑39 °C and possible exceedances of 39 °C across the north, before gradually easing after June 25. The central region was expected to remain under “especially intense” heat for several more days, with humidity dropping to 50‑55 % and isolated thunderstorms bringing strong winds, hail, and lightning.

The heat wave affected major urban areas, including Hanoi, where urban heat island effects could push temperatures even higher, and the southern regions, which experienced milder highs of 33‑35 °C with scattered rain showers.