Hot in Asia

Yeah, I can imagine how unpleasant Hanoi could be in heat this high:

Vietnam has reported a record-high temperature of 44.1C (111.38F), as weather experts and authorities told the population to remain indoors during the hottest parts of the day.

Scientists have said global warming is aggravating adverse weather. Neighbouring countries registered record temperatures during a heatwave in Asia in April.

Vietnam’s record was measured indoors at Hoi Xuan station in northern Thanh Hoa province on Saturday, the National Centre for Hydro Meteorological Forecasting said, breaking the 2019 record of 43.4C.

Nguyen Thi Lan, a farmer, said temperatures in the central city of Danang had forced workers to start their days earlier than ever. “We have had to finish before 10am to avoid the heat,” she said.

Vietnam’s weather varies from north to south, but the country as a whole is now entering its hottest summer months.

“This is a worrying record in the context of climate change and global warming,” Nguyen Ngoc Huy, a climate change expert, said from the capital, Hanoi. “I believe this record will be repeated many times. It confirms that extreme climate models are being proven to be true.”

Danang officials have asked Vietnam’s industry and electricity ministries to “cooperate to effectively deal with the heat, possible drought and lack of water,” according to state media.

Officials have also told the city’s water supply company to ensure there are adequate supplies of water for domestic use.

On Saturday, Hanoi city centre was almost empty at midday as many people remained indoors to avoid the sun..