Residents in Da Nang and elsewhere in Central Viet Nam now gasp for air and stay indoors around midday as mercury is forecast to hit 39 degrees Celsius or above in some parts of the central region, peaking from Thursday, with 'very high' UV levels, warned the Mid-Central Region Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.

Regional weather forecasters say some parts of the central region from Da Nang to Binh Thuan Province may experience sunny weather in the daytime, whilst a few showers and thunderstorms are possible in the night time.

In Da Nang, thermometers are highly likely to remain highs of 35 and 36 degrees Celsius in the daytime over the next days. The blast of heat is peaking from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm when the sun's burning rays are the strongest.

Ha Noi and Da Nang now embrace for the ultraviolet (UV) radiation index that ranges at 8-10 levels, higher than previous days. These dangerous levels can cause eye damage, overheating and dehydration to those exposed to direct sunlight during the hot weather.

Those who have to go outside, therefore, have to protect themselves from head to toe with sunglasses, masks, jackets, gloves, socks, and other protective clothing.

As the hot spell is highly exacerbated by low humidity, there are warnings of fire and explosion hazards, as well as a high risk of forest fire.

Since the beginning of the year, the average temperature across Viet Nam has been 1-2.5 degrees Celsius higher than normal, and the trend is forecast to last until October.

By VNA – Translated by A.T