Amid higher temperatures, the ultraviolet index in the southern Vietnamese region has risen to extreme levels, posing health threats to people exposed to the sun, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

Between Monday and Wednesday, the upstream area of the Mekong River and the southern region will continue to undergo a prolonged period of no rainfall and intense sun during the daytime, which will increase the salinity levels and UV index.

The lowest temperature in the southern region is commonly around 21 to 24 degrees Celsius, while the highest is 31-34 degrees Celsius.

In the southeastern region, some places will experience hot weather of over 35 degrees Celsius.

On February 28, Bien Hoa City in the southeastern province of Dong Nai measured the maximum temperature of 35.4 degrees Celsius. The mercury in southeastern Tay Ninh Province even reached 35.8 degrees Celsius.

A high temperature of 34.7 degrees Celsius, the highest in the Mekong Delta region, was recorded in Vi Thanh City in Hau Giang Province on the same day.

During the aforementioned three-day period, localities in the central and southern regions will also see the UV index hit a maximum of high to very high risk levels. 

People are advised to shield themselves when going outdoors and avoid long-term sunlight exposure.

There may be light showers in the afternoons and evenings in the southern region.

But rain will only occur in a small area, with a low volume and for a short period, so it is not expected to mitigate the heat during the daytime.

Meanwhile in the Mekong Delta region, the water levels in the Tien and Hau Rivers will rise in harmony with tides, then fall in the first days of March.

The highest water level of the week in Tan Chau Town, An Giang Province was 1.45m, and 1.6m in Chau Doc City in the same province.

These levels are 0.15-0.25m higher than the average of the same period in previous years.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting advises people in the Mekong Delta region to limit watering their crops in order to minimize production damage. 

In areas growing fruits of high economic value with low salt tolerance, farmers should check salinity levels before irrigation.

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