HANOI/TAM DAO — Northern Vietnam is enduring an intense heatwave, with 17 weather stations across seven provinces reporting record-breaking August temperatures, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment reported today. Temperatures peaked on August 3 and 4, with the Hanoi heat reaching 40.3 °C, eclipsing the previous August high of 39.8 °C recorded in 2021.

The heatwave—centered over the densely populated Red River Delta—has pushed electricity demand to unprecedented levels as residents frantically seek relief with air-conditioning and fans.

Electric Grid Consumption Hits All-Time Highs

State utility EVN reported that power consumption in Hanoi reached a record peak at 1:28 pm on August 4, marking a crisis point in demand as urban residents tried to beat the heat. Overall, the Northern Power Corporation (EVNNPC) logged 393.09 GWh of electricity use on August 4 across 17 provinces and cities—a new high amid the sweltering conditions.

Previously, between July 27–29, electricity output surged by almost 40 percent, jumping from 79.96 million kWh to 108.67 million kWh in Hanoi alone—a sharp warning of grid stress in extreme heat.

Heat Risks in Industrial Heartland

Officials warn that while Vietnam regularly experiences high temperatures, climate change is amplifying heat severity and frequency. The unusually low air humidity in Hanoi—just 52 percent on August 3—exacerbated heat stress, creating an oppressive sense of dry, burning heat, according to chief meteorologist Nguyen Van Huong.

Hanoi’s usually bustling streets went quiet on August 3, as locals retreated indoors to avoid peak heat exposure. Meteorological models project potential evening showers on August 5, which may provide temporary relief to the region.

Outlook: Cooling Relief but Long-Term Challenges

Though rain is expected to drop temperatures slightly, experts emphasize that heatwaves in South East Asia are intensifying due to broader climate trends, including ongoing El Niño conditions.

Vietnam’s grid operators are preparing for continued stress ahead: EVN recently forecasted that total system load capacity would rise to 54,510 MW in 2025, an 11.35 percent increase from 2024, underscoring infrastructure strain during heat-driven demand spikes.

Key Figures and Forecast Summary

Despite short-term forecasts for relief, analysts say the intensity of rising temperature spikes remains alarming—a pattern likely to recur unless global emissions and homegrown resilience measures shift rapidly. (zai) – Photo: Vietnamtour