The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) yesterday warned of prolonged hot weather over the coming days.— VNA/VNS Photo Danh Lam

HÀ NỘI — The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) yesterday warned of prolonged hot weather over the coming days.

Nguyễn Văn Hưởng, head of the Weather Forecast Division under the NCHMF, said that average temperatures this summer would be higher than previous years by 0.5-1 degree Celsius at 39-41 degree Celsius.

This month hot spells will occur much in northeastern provinces whereas in July and August, the hot spells will occur in central-northern and central provinces, said Hưởng.

“The prolonged hot weather not only harms people’s health with dehydration, exhaustion and stroke risks, but also affect socio-economic development,” said Hưởng.

To limit losses, the NCHMF will regularly provide weather updates to the press and steering committees for search and rescue, said Hưởng.

The ultraviolet (UV) warning indicator yesterday was from seven to 10 in Hà Nội, HCM City and the central city of Đà Nẵng, putting humans at high risk of harm.

Electricity operation

Scorching weather across the country in recent days has driven power consumption to a record high. 

Power volume consumed on May 18 reached 756.9 million kWh following heat waves nationwide, mostly in the north and central regions, according to the Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN). 

On May 17 this year, consumed power volume was 755 million kWh, beating last year’s high of 725 million kWh on July 3 last year. 

In terms of power capacity, the maximum power output or peak power output hit 36,006MW, the highest-ever capacity in Việt Nam, said Vũ Xuân Khu, deputy head of the National Load Dispatch Centre (NLDC) under the EVN. 

The EVN was under pressure to supply enough power, he said.

To have enough power for national consumption, the NLDC has mobilised power from different sources since April and nearly 100 solar power projects would be connected to the national grid before the end of this month, deputy general director of EVN Ngô Sơn Hải. 

In addition, EVN plans to work with PetroVietnam Power Corporation and Vinacomin Power Corporation to utilise power from hydropower, coal-fired, gas-fueled, and diesel-fueled power plants to feed the economy, Hải said. 

Forest fire risk

Authorities in north and central areas are setting up firebreaks, preparing equipment and putting up warning signs as the area’s forests face a high risk of fire in the dry season.

Quảng Trị is one province at high risk.

Hoàng Duy Quang, deputy director of the Bến Hải Protective Forest’s Management Board, said due to dry weather, forest fire risks were at their peak.

Additionally, local residents burn land for cultivation in this period, also causing forest fire risks.

To limit losses, the province has employed various preventive measures, including setting up inspector teams to patrol forests day and night.

Hà Sỹ Đồng, deputy chairman of the Quảng Trị People’s Committee, said that since the beginning of this year, the province delivered plans to prevent forest fires in each village.

Information and warnings about forest fires nationwide are updated regularly on the website kiemlam.gov.vn. — VNS