Thunderstorms expected to end severe heatwave in Northern Vietnam
VOV.VN - Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to return to Northern Vietnam, including Hanoi, from the evening of May 27, helping ease the intense heatwave after several days of temperatures exceeding 40°C, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.
The severe heat would persist through May 27 before thunderstorms develop later in the day and overnight, meteorological experts said.
From May 28, temperatures are to gradually decline, while the widespread heatwave across northern Vietnam is forecast to largely end around May 29, they added.
Thunderstorms following a prolonged period of extreme heat could significantly reduce temperatures, although humid and uncomfortable conditions may continue due to accumulated heat from consecutive hot days.
In addition to cooler temperatures, weather experts warned that thunderstorms could bring tornadoes, lightning, hail, and strong winds, particularly in northern provinces and Hanoi.
The current heatwave has been described as one of the most intense since the start of the summer of 2026, with temperatures in many areas of Northern and Central Vietnam surpassing 40°C.
In Hanoi, temperatures at several monitoring stations exceeded 41°C, while actual outdoor conditions felt even hotter due to urban heat and concrete infrastructure.
Meteorologists said a western low-pressure hot zone combined with foehn wind effects was the main cause of the prolonged heatwave, leading to lower humidity and persistent hot conditions from early morning until late evening.
Beyond disrupting daily life, the extreme heat has also increased the risk of heatstroke, fires, explosions, and forest fires in several localities.