HÀ NỘI – Northern provinces are suffering the first major heat spell of summer 2017, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius.

The Central Hydro-meteorological Forecast Centre experts said hot weather occurred Wednesday on a large scale in the north and provinces from Thanh Hóa to the central coastal province of Phú Yên, with the highest temperature ranging from 35 to 37 degrees Celsius.

Hà Nội is also suffering hot weather with temperature from 35-36 degrees, and northern-western provinces of over 36 degrees.

On Thursday, the hot weather will become harsher, with some areas being predicted to reach over 40 degrees. The hot spell is forecasted to last until June 5 (next Monday), due to the influence of low air pressure in the west.

In the last two days, hot weather in the western lowland developed, the whole northern region was hot in the afternoon with a temperature of 34-35 degrees. It was over 36 degrees in some areas such as Mường La in the northern mountainous province of Sơn La.

Doctors warn that hot spells would threaten people’s health, especially children and the elderly, and labourers working outdoors must take appropriate measures. They advise that adults should keep children in airy homes during hot days, avoid bathing in the sea from 10am-4pm, vaccinate fully and maintain a clean living area.

A Bạch Mai Hospital doctor in Hà Nội said patients suffering high blood pressure should take daily medicine under doctor’s guidance as a precaution against strokes. According to him, in hot periods, Việt Nam National Heart Institute under the Bạch Mai Hospital, usually receives more patients than on normal days. — VNS