The northern region is expected to experience temperatures between 34-37 degrees Celsius today. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — A new severe heatwave is forecast to hit northern and central regions in the next few days with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius, according to the National Hydrometeorological Forecast Centre.

The low pressure from the west had expanded toward southeastern areas and combined with foehn effect to cause high temperatures.

The northern region is expected to experience temperatures between 34-37 degrees Celsius today while the central region 36 to 39 degrees Celsius.

The humidity is around 50-60 per cent.

Both regions will have 13-16 hours with a temperature of over 35 degrees.

From Wednesday, the heatwave will intensify especially from Thanh Hóa to Quảng Bình provinces. The temperature will be 37 to over 40 degrees.

Ultraviolet (UV) indexes in Hà Nội and Đà Nẵng today are forecast to reach strong levels, raising the risk of skin damage in direct sunlight.

The UV index updated on weatheronline.co.uk on Tuesday morning showed Hà Nội hit level 9 (very strong) and Đà Nẵng City climbed to level 10 (very strong).

The prolonged heatwave may cause health issues and increased risks of fires and other accidents at residential areas as demand for electricity spikes.

Wildfire warnings have also been issued in the northern and central regions.

It is forecast that the hot weather in the North will last until the end of July.

While in the central region, especially in provinces from Nghệ An to Phú Yên, new long heatwaves are likely to still occur in August, Hoàng Phúc Lâm, deputy director of the National Hydrometeorological Forecast Centre, told Nhân Dân (The People) newspaper. — VNS