Ultra-violet rays, which can also cause sunburn and cataracts, are expected to reach very high level across Viet Nam from Friday into Sunday, Viet Nam's National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting warned.

Medical experts warn that high UV levels can accelerate skin aging, and pose more severe threats to human health like skin cancer.

Today, April 23, indices of 6 and 8 are common in Northern Viet Nam, and UV index could reach 9 in Hai Phong City.

UV levels will be reaching 8 in Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City while level 10 is common in central and southern regions today.  UV index is predicted to reach 8 in Can Tho on Sunday.
While UV is important for getting vitamin D and keeping us healthy, too much of it can cause skin cancer or eye cataracts.

The aim of the index is warn people of increased risk, and encourage them change their behaviour to protect themselves against the risks of skin cancer and damage.

The national forecasters also said due to the effects of the influence of the developing southern low pressure trough associated with a strong foehn wind in the southwest region, soaring heatwave conditions are likely to prevail northwest Viet Nam, the northern and the mid-central region, including Da Nang, fromFriday into Sunday as the maximum temperature could hit over 39 degree Celsius. Sweltering temperatures of 35 and 38 degree Celsius will be common across parts of these regions.

All of this heat is expected to up the fire risk across the mid-central region, including Da Nang, Viet Nam's National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said.

This heat wave will bring life-threatening conditions to many people working outdoors. Anyone outdoors during the hottest times of the day will need to drink plenty of fluids, and take breaks from strenuous activities to lower the risk for heat-related illnesses.

Older people, those with underlying health conditions, and very young children are all more at risk from the higher temperatures.  They will be at the highest risk for heatstroke or heat exhaustion, and should stay in air-conditioned locations when possible.

Reporting by TTXVN – Translating by H.L