Scorching temperatures over the past few days nationwide look to continue throughout the month, according to the national weather bureau.
Bui Minh Tang, director of the National Hydro Meteorological Forecast Center, said that some areas in the northwestern and north-central regions have seen temperatures recently skyrocket to 40-42 degrees.
In the north, the searing weather is forecast to last until at least April 14, Mr. Tang said.
Meanwhile, the central and southern regions will continue to see several hot spells in the second half of April, with the highest temperatures hitting 39 degrees Celsius.
It is predicted that the long period of recent hot weather will delay the onset of this year’s rainy season by 15-20 days compared to previous years, and will thus begin in the middle or end of May.
The hot spell of the past few days in the central region has also led the electric industry to periodically cut off household electricity to save power, sending residents to beaches and parks to cool off.
The pediatric ward of Hue Central Hospital, meanwhile, has reported that it sees around 100-150 children daily with heat-related illnesses.
Over half of the patients have been diagnosed with respiratory illnesses.
