Vietnam braces itself for extreme heat as forecasters warn of worsening conditions

HANOI – A prolonged spell of extreme heat is sweeping across much of Vietnam , with temperatures climbing above 40 deg C in parts of the central region and forecasters warning of heightened risks to public health, increased energy demand and wildfire outbreaks. The heatwave has been driven by a persistent low-pressure system over the country’s west, combined with a strong foehn wind effect that has intensified conditions across the central provinces and cities in recent days, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting. From April 6 to 8, temperatures from Nghe An to Quang Tri surged to around 40 deg C, with some localities exceeding 41 deg C. Tay Hieu Ward in Nghe An recorded 41.9 deg C, while Con Cuong Commune reached 41.3 deg C. The heat has not been confined to the central belt. In the north-western region, temperatures have hovered between 36 deg C and 38 deg C, with peaks above 39 deg C seen in areas such as Muong Te in Lai Chau and Phu Yen in Son ...