Scorching hot weather is expected to hit Northern Viet Nam and Mid-central region, including Da Nang, from April 3-5, Viet Nam’s National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting says.

A localised heatwave is likely to engulf the Northern region but Son La and Hoa Binh will face a widespread heat wave, the national weather service warns. Meanwhile, a scorching heatwave is in forcast for the Southeast region in April.

Northern Viet Nam and Mid-central region will brace for widespread heatwave from April 3-5. Photo: Baotintuc

Surging electricity demand from local residents due to intense heat poses an increased fire or explosion risk in residential settings in the warning areas. In addition, these areas will see the greatest increase in wildfire risk in Viet Nam due to the hot and dry weather, the national weather forecasters have warned.

Prolonged exposure to heat can cause cramping, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death. Residents in the warning areas are advised to stay indoors, avoid strenuous activities and stay hydrated with lots of fluids.

Milder conditions are expected on the Northern region and North Central Coast from the night of April 5 as scattered showers and thunderstorms at most places with moderate and heavy rainfall at isolated places are very likely over these areas from the night of April 5 through April 6. However, intense heatwave conditions will return to these regions in the second half of April.

As per the national weather service, a cold front will move into the Northern region from April 6-7, and it may usher in rain, much cooler temperatures and gusty winds across the region. After that, the region will see decreases in the intensity and frequency of the cold front. Warning for strong winds, and big waves has been issued for all vessels operating at sea in April.

Thunderstorms can produce tornadoes, lightning, hail and strong winds which will greatly affect the production and social life nationwide, the national weather service says.

April could be much hotter than usual as the temperatures in the Northern and Central regions are likely to be 0.5-1 degrees Celsius higher than the average level recorded in previous years.

The total rainfall in the northern region, North Central Coast and Mid-central region is expected to lower than that of previous years by 10-20%.

Heatwaves can result in severe dehydration and a drop in blood pressure when the body is exposed to soaring temperatures for a prolonged period. Heatwaves, or any extreme weather conditions, affect kids and older adults severely. Therefore, health experts strongly advise these people to take proper precautions before they venture out in the sun.

The first important thing to remember is to stay hydrated, which means that people have to drink plenty of fluids, and they shouldn’t wait until they are thirsty to take those drinks. The other precautions include staying indoors where the temperature is cooler, avoiding excessive physical activity in a hot environment, limiting outdoor activities to when it's coolest, such as morning and evening hours.

Reporting by baotintuc – Translating by H.L