Vietnam confronts tropical low pressure system and extreme heat in June 2026

The National Center for Hydro‑Meteorological Forecasting reported that a tropical low pressure system developed over the eastern part of the South China Sea on 3‑6 June. At 01:00 UTC on 4 June the centre was near 17.3° N, 115.4° E, about 320 km east‑northeast of the Hoàng Sa islands. The system moved northeast at roughly 10‑15 km/h, strengthening to wind gusts of 39‑49 km/h (force 6, gusting to force 8). Forecasts indicated it would continue toward Taiwan and was not expected to make landfall in Vietnam, but warned that ships operating in the northern East Sea could face strong winds, heavy rain, and waves up to 4 m, posing a level‑3 disaster risk.

At the same time, the centre warned of a prolonged heat wave affecting northern and central Vietnam. From 1‑6 June temperatures reached 35‑39 °C in many stations, with peaks of 39.7 °C recorded in Sơn La and 38.3 °C in Nghệ An. Relative humidity fell to 45‑60 %. Experts highlighted health risks such as heat‑stroke, stroke, and heightened fire danger, especially for the elderly, children, and outdoor workers. The heat wave is expected to persist, with a possibility of additional 1‑2 episodes in June, and may trigger thunderstorms and strong gusts as hot air collides with cooler air masses.