The Mid-Central Region Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting has issued a Red forest fire warning as high temperatures and dry weather look set to persist through May 24.

The regional forecasters said that 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 the central provinces of Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien - Hue, Quang Nam and Quang Ngai today, May 23, as the maximum temperature could hit over 39 degree Celsius in some parts. Sweltering temperatures of 36 and 39 degree Celsius will be common across parts of the five provinces. The lowest humidity level in these localities will be between 40% and 45%.

In Da Nang, today will see mostly sunny skies in the districts of Lien Chieu, Son Tra, Thanh Khe, Hai Chau, and Ngu Hanh Son, with high temperatures between 26 and 34 degree Celsius. Tonight will be nice and clear with no chance of rain.

In addition, temperatures of 25 and 35 degree Celsius will be common in Hoa Vang and Cam Le districts.

There are further warnings of potential thunderstorms and scattered showers in some parts of Da Nang in late afternoon and evening.

Hot weather will linger in some mountainous areas of the mid -central region, including Da Nang, for at least 2 days with temperatures climbing to 34 - 36 degree Celsius.

The weather will then cool down, and the heatwave is expected to end on May 25.

This heat wave will bring life-threatening conditions to many people working outdoors. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are potentially serious conditions that can occur if they get too hot. They usually happen during a heatwave or in a hot climate. Heat stroke results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures - usually in combination with dehydration which leads to failure of the body's temperature control system.

Hence, 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.

The Da Nang Forest Protection Department said that the extreme forest fire risk is deemed to exist in all areas across the city.

Under extreme fire risk conditions, any ignition source in upland vegetation will give rise to rapid and unpredictable wildfire development and spread.

It is also illegal to burn growing vegetation on uncultivated land. It notes that current fire risks are mainly associated with illegal burning of vegetation in forests.

The open ignition sources should be avoided on forest lands and in other high risk areas.

The city-wide forest fire risk warning will remain in place through May 24.

Such action may involve the mobilisation, assembly and prepositioning of resources such as water tankers, machinery, and personnel to support to high risk areas.

Reporting by HOANG HIEP – Translating by H.L