Much of Central Viet Nam, including the parts from Nghe An to Ninh Thuan, have been reeling from scorching heat, and the hot temperatures could continue for the next several days, prompting weather alerts, according to Viet Nam’s National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.

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A heat warning is in effect in these areas, where daytime highs between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius, and even upper 37 degrees Celsius at isolated locations, are expected on Friday and Saturday. The lowest humidity level in these localities will be between 50% and 60%.

A similar warning is in place during the said period for the parts from Thua Thien-Hue to Phu Yen, including Da Nang. Sweltering temperatures will see these areas bake at 36-38 degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature is likely to touch over the 38-degrees Celsius mark in some places. Lowest humidity is likely to record at 45-55%.

During scorching days, the perceived outdoor temperature in the affected areas may be 2-4 degrees Celsius higher than the forecast temperature, possibly even higher depending on the buffer surface conditions such as concrete and asphalt.

The long-lasting heat is also contributing to a high fire danger, and it will produce a very high risk of heat illness.

The national weather agency is warning of elevated risks for heat-related illnesses. It urges people in the warning areas to drink water before feeling thirsty, check on the elderly and watch for the effects of heat illness such as fainting, swelling, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

National forecasters warned some places of the parts from Thanh Hoa to Thua Thien - Hue could be hit by thundery showers during the late afternoon on Friday. The heat is expected to continue to scorch these areas where daytime temperatures will hover around 33-36 degree Celsius, and 36-38 degree Celsius in the northern  and southern parts of the region, respectively, and even above 38 degree Celsius at isolated places of the southern part. The Southwest Wind at levels 2 to 3 could reach these areas.

The parts from Da Nang to Binh Thuan are in for a hot day today with a predicted top of 36- 38 degrees Celsius in the northern part of the region, and even above 38 degrees Celsius at some places. There will be a potential for showers and thunderstorms at isolated places late afternoon. The Southwest Wind at levels 2 to 3 could reach these areas.

Reporting by TTXVN/Vietnam⁺ - translating by H.L