Heat wave prevails before storm, electricity consumption at high level

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting warns that today (July 19), heat waves are spreading widely across the North and Central regions.

Truc Bach Lake ( Hanoi ), bright sunshine from early morning. Photo: PHUC HAU

According to the meteorological agency, today, the heat wave continues in Hanoi and the Northeast region, from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang , the East of Quang Ngai, Dak Lak and Khanh Hoa provinces. The highest temperature is commonly 35-37 degrees Celsius (some places exceeded 38 degrees Celsius like on July 18), the intense heat wave lasts from 11am to 5pm, causing the demand for electricity and water to increase and accidents due to overload or explosion of electrical equipment are likely to occur.

On July 20, the western mountainous areas from Nghe An to Hue, Da Nang, the eastern provinces of Quang Ngai to Dak Lak and Khanh Hoa continued to experience heat waves, some places were extremely hot. The highest temperature continued to be at 35-37 degrees Celsius, some places above 37 degrees Celsius.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said that from July 21, the heat in the Central region may be milder.

The meteorological agency also reported that yesterday, July 18, heat waves occurred throughout the Northern region, from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang, as well as the eastern provinces from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak and Khanh Hoa. Many places exceeded 38 degrees Celsius, the air was dry and hot. Hanoi, Hai Phong and Hue were also immersed in heat.

Due to the impact of the prolonged and widespread heat wave, especially in the North, the national power system recorded a record high consumption level on July 18. According to data from the National Electricity System and Market Operation Company (NSMO - under the Ministry of Industry and Trade), the maximum capacity of the Northern power system yesterday reached 26,998MW, an increase of 1,458MW, equivalent to 5.7% compared to the same period in 2024.

Authorities recommend that people pay attention to their health and save electricity during hot weather. Illustrative photo

Not only the North, the amount of electricity consumed nationwide also set a new record when it reached 1,066.6 million kWh, an increase of 41.3 million kWh, equivalent to 4% compared to the peak day of the same period in 2024. Of which, the North alone accounted for more than 50% with consumption output reaching 551.8 million kWh, an increase of 22.2 million kWh compared to the same period last year.

The main reason for the sudden increase in electricity consumption is the sharp increase in demand for cooling devices such as air conditioners and electric fans during hours when outdoor temperatures continuously exceed 38 to 40 degrees Celsius in many localities.

According to the General Department of Hydrometeorology, at around 8:00 a.m. this morning, July 19, the center of storm Wipha entered the Northeast region of the East Sea, becoming storm number 3 in 2025. A meteorological expert commented that storm number 3 attracted clouds, causing the heat wave to be strongly activated in the North and Central regions according to the law. Before heavy rain and storms, extreme heat waves often appear.

ANGEL

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nang-nong-bao-trum-truoc-bao-tieu-thu-dien-o-muc-cao-post804449.html