Areas from Hue to Danang, eastern parts of provinces from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak, and Khanh Hoa are expected to see temperatures of 35-37 degrees Celcius, with some places exceeding 38 degrees Celcius.
The hot spell in central Vietnam is expected to last until around August 30. Forecasters warned that low humidity combined with high temperatures could increase the risk of fires, particularly as electricity demand rises, while prolonged exposure to the heat could cause dehydration and exhaustion.
Actual outdoor temperatures could be 2-4 degrees Celcius higher than forecast, or even more over surfaces such as concrete and asphalt.
Meanwhile, floodwaters on the Cau and Thuong rivers in northern Bac Ninh province are continuing to recede.
Water levels on the lower Thuong River are forecast to remain below the third warning level over the next 12 hours before falling further over the following 12-24 hours, although they are expected to remain above the second warning level.
On the lower Cau River, water levels are forecast to continue falling over the next 24 hours and remain around the first warning level.
Despite the receding waters, low-lying riverside areas remain at risk of flooding, which could disrupt waterway transport, aquaculture and agricultural production.
Northern Vietnam and Thanh Hoa are also forecast to see scattered showers and thunderstorms on August 27, with rainfall of 10-30 mm and more than 70 mm possible in some areas.
Heavy localised rain could trigger flash floods in small rivers and streams, landslides on steep slopes and flooding in low-lying areas, while thunderstorms may bring lightning, hail and strong winds.
