VietNamNet Bridge – The National Hydro Meteorological Forecasting Center on May 15 said that the current heat wave has spread like a blanket across north and central parts of the country, with temperatures steadily rising by 1-2 degrees celsius.

Flash rain resulted in uprooting an ancient tree at the corner of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and Pasteur Street in District 1 in HCMC on May 15. (Photo: SGGP)

On May 15, average temperatures recorded were 36-38 degrees celsius in the northwestern provinces of Lao Cai, Dien Bien and Lai Chau and south-central areas.

Mercury soared upto 40.1 degrees in Ba Vi District in Hanoi, 39.7 degrees in Nam Dinh Province, 39.9 degrees in Hoa Binh Province, 39.5 degrees in Vinh City and 39.5 degrees in Quang Ninh Province.

The scorching heat is expected to continue past May 16 and mercury levels are likely to further increase by one more degree. Temperatures of 39-40 degrees will prevail in the northwest and mid central regions.

However, the heat wave will gradually abate by the coming weekend.

In related news, heavy flash rain lasting one hour on afternoon of May 15 uprooted an ancient tree at the corner of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and Pasteur Street in District 1.

The tree fell across telecom cables, broke an electric pole and a traffic light pole. Several tree branches were also brought down at the corner of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and Truong Dinh Street.

This resulted in a massive traffic jam along the surrounding streets like Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Pasteur and Le Duan.

Source: SGGP