Record-breaking heatwaves in Vietnam.

TPO - On the afternoon of May 26th, Hanoi's highest temperature exceeded 40 degrees Celsius. However, this was not the highest temperature ever recorded in the capital and was far below the highest temperature ever recorded nationwide in Tuong Duong, Nghe An.

Northern and central Vietnam are experiencing an exceptionally intense heatwave, affecting a wide area. Hanoi and surrounding areas have been the hottest places in the country for the past four consecutive days.

At 1 PM on May 26th, Hanoi recorded a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius in Lang. However, this was not the highest temperature of the day. The heat was expected to intensify after 1 PM. The highest temperatures are forecast to exceed 40 degrees Celsius in Hanoi and many other localities.

Earlier yesterday, Hanoi recorded a peak temperature of 40.7 degrees Celsius in Lang, approximately the same as Vinh Yen, which is about 40km from Hanoi, making them the two hottest areas in the country.

High temperatures, combined with low humidity and the presence of concrete, asphalt roads, and a low ratio of green spaces and bodies of water, have plunged the entire city into a stifling, oppressive atmosphere.

However, compared to meteorological history, this is not the most intense heatwave the capital has experienced.

According to observation data, the midday of June 4, 2017, in Ha Dong became a historic day when the highest temperature ever recorded reached 42.5 degrees Celsius. This is also the highest temperature recorded in the capital city to date.

More recently, on April 27, 2024, the temperature in Lang reached 41.5 degrees Celsius, surpassing the record set 18 years earlier at the same location, which was also an exceptionally hot day.

Hanoi is currently experiencing an exceptionally intense and uncomfortable heatwave.

Nationwide, Nghe An province continues to hold the record for the hottest weather. On May 7, 2023, also during a year of El Nino transition like this year, the highest daily temperature in Tuong Duong reached 44.2 degrees Celsius, the highest temperature ever recorded in Vietnam's history. This record still stands today.

The heatwave in early May 2023 in North Central Vietnam remains the most intense and record-breaking heatwave in recorded history. During this heatwave, new temperature records were continuously set in Vietnam's history.

On May 6, 2023, the highest temperature recorded in Hoi Xuan, Thanh Hoa was 44.1 degrees Celsius, the highest in history, surpassing the previous record of 43.3 degrees Celsius set on April 20, 2019, in Huong Khe, Ha Tinh . However, just one day later, this record was broken in Tuong Duong, Nghe An.

Several other areas in North Central Vietnam also recorded record high temperatures during this heatwave, such as Quy Chau (Nghe An) at 43.2 degrees, Tay Hieu (Nghe An) at 43.3 degrees, and Huong Son (Ha Tinh) at 42.3 degrees.

2023 was also the second hottest year on record, with the average annual temperature nationwide reaching 24.5 degrees, second only to 2019.

A harsh summer forecast

According to the National Center for Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting, the ENSO phenomenon (an abnormal temperature fluctuation in the equatorial Pacific Ocean) will rapidly transition from neutral to El Nino between June and September 2026, and then into a super-El Nino state by the end of this year.

Studies show that during El Nino years, in most regions of the country, average monthly temperatures tend to be higher than normal; there is more and more intense heat; and there is a higher possibility of setting absolute record high temperatures.

This could lead to more intense heatwaves in northern and central Vietnam this summer. The end of the heatwave may also be later than the average of previous years.

Nghe An still holds the record for the hottest place in Vietnam with a highest temperature of 44.2 degrees Celsius. Photo: People in Central Vietnam wearing straw raincoats to protect themselves from the sun while working in the fields.

Regarding the current heatwave, the forecast for May 27th indicates that the Northern Delta region, Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa, and Hue will continue to experience intense and exceptionally intense heat with maximum temperatures commonly ranging from 38-40 degrees Celsius, and exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in some areas, while the lowest relative humidity will generally be between 40-45%.

Other areas in Northern Vietnam and the South Central coastal region experienced hot and intensely hot weather on May 27th, with some places experiencing exceptionally intense heat. The highest temperatures were generally 36-38 degrees Celsius, with some places exceeding 39 degrees Celsius, and the lowest relative humidity was generally 45-50%.

On May 28th, the area from Thanh Hoa to Hue will continue to experience intense heat, with some places experiencing exceptionally severe heat. The highest temperatures will generally range from 37-39 degrees Celsius, with some areas exceeding 39 degrees Celsius, and the lowest relative humidity will generally be between 45-50%.

On May 28th, the midland and lowland areas of Northern Vietnam and the South Central coastal region will still experience hot weather with temperatures ranging from 35-37 degrees Celsius, and even exceeding 37 degrees Celsius in some places, with the lowest relative humidity generally between 50-55%.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/nhung-ky-luc-nang-nong-o-viet-nam-post1846450.tpo