The El Niño weather phenomenon continues to batter the south, a region that has been unusually hot, since February, with average temperatures above 37 degrees Celsius in areas such as the cities of Long Khanh, Bien Hoa and Dong Xoai.

While some places received scant rainfall of five to 10 millimeters, others had no rainfall at all, noted the English-language Vietnam News, according to which heatwaves in this region normally start in mid-February, but this year’s occurred earlier and covered a larger area.

According to Nguyen Van Hưong, head of the weather forecasting division of the National Center for Hydrometeorological Prediction, quoted by the English-language Vietnam News, intense heat waves will continue to occur in the southeastern and southwestern region in the coming weeks.

In March, more prolonged heat waves are expected with an average temperature 0.5-1.5 degrees Celsius higher than normal, reaching 39-40 degrees Celsius, and only very sporadic rainfall. Meanwhile, April will be the hottest period, with 15 to 20 extremely sunny days, the expert added.

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