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HÀ NỘI — Scorching heat is expected to continue in the central region for the next few days after hitting northern and central localities over the weekend.

Temperatures yesterday peaked at 39 degrees Celsius in the north and 41 degrees Celsius the central region, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

The harsh summer heat is forecast to remain in the central region today, with average temperatures ranging from 36 to 39 degrees Celsius and peaking at 41 in localities from Thanh Hóa to Thừa Thiên-Huế.

The centre warned of increased fire hazards due to high temperatures and low humidity, which have prompted high demand for electricity from citizens.

It also warned people to takes steps against dehydration, exhaustion and heat stroke.

At least 15ha of forest burned down in the central province of Nghệ An over the weekend after a fire started due to dry weather.

Statistics from the National Load Dispatch Centre showed electricity generation capacity nationwide hit a new record of 38.147 MW on Saturday, reported Thanh Niên (Young People) online newspaper. Electricity consumption nationwide also hit a record high of 782.9 million kWh on Friday, according to the report.

High temperatures also prompted a rise in the number of children admitted to the Yên Bái Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital with heat-related illnesses, according to the hospital.

It was receiving on average 30 children per day for respiratory infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, diarrhoea and viral fevers. Most of them were under four years old. — VNS