According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF), severe heat persisted across the central region on July 19. The most extreme conditions were recorded in areas stretching from Hue to Da Nang and from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak, where temperatures reached dangerously high levels.

Tam Ky recorded the country’s highest temperature at 40.4°C, while several other localities, including Nam Dong in Hue, Hoai Nhon in Gia Lai and Tuy Hoa in Dak Lak, also experienced temperatures approaching or exceeding 39°C. Hot weather was also reported from Thanh Hoa to Quang Tri provinces.

Forecasters said the heatwave is expected to continue through July 20 and 21, particularly across Nghe An, Da Nang, Quang Ngai and Dak Lak. Maximum temperatures are forecast to range between 35 and 37°C, with some locations exceeding 38°C. Low humidity of around 50–55% is expected to increase the risk of dehydration, heat-related illnesses and fires.

In sharp contrast, the northern region is expected to endure widespread showers and thunderstorms.

Mountainous and midland areas are forecast to receive moderate to heavy rainfall, with isolated locations likely to record more than 100mm of rain. Hanoi and surrounding northern delta provinces are also predicted to see scattered showers and thunderstorms, helping temperatures fall to around 31–33°C.

The weather agency warned that thunderstorms could be accompanied by lightning, strong winds and localised downpours. Mountainous areas are at elevated risk of flash floods, landslides and localised flooding, particularly in regions that have already experienced persistent rainfall in recent days.

Meanwhile, Southern Vietnam is expected to be relatively dry during the day before scattered thunderstorms develop later in the afternoon and evening.

Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai and Tay Ninh are forecast to experience maximum temperatures of 33–35°C under strong sunshine, while most provinces in the Mekong Delta will see temperatures ranging from 32 to 34°C. Localised showers are expected mainly over Ca Mau and several coastal areas toward the evening.

Meteorologists expect the ongoing heat in the central and southern regions to ease gradually from around July 22 as a low-pressure trough develops over the central and southern East Sea, strengthening the southwest monsoon and bringing more widespread rainfall.

The contrasting conditions across Vietnam on July 20 illustrate the country's highly differentiated summer weather pattern. While central provinces continue to endure extreme heat, the northern region faces heavy rainfall and heightened natural disaster risks, with the south positioned between the two systems.

According to meteorologists, such regional contrasts are typical during the summer when multiple weather systems influence different parts of the country simultaneously. However, the combination of temperatures above 40°C in the central region and heavy rainfall in the north underscores the importance of closely monitoring official weather forecasts and preparing for rapidly changing conditions.

Wildfires break out in Central Vietnam as extreme heat pushes temperatures above 40°C

VOV.VN - A series of forest and vegetation fires broke out across Nghe An, Quang Tri and several central Vietnamese localities on June 7 as temperatures soared above 39-40°C.