After enduring a relentless stretch of scorching days, residents of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) received a welcome reprieve on Thursday morning as brief showers swept across several areas, offering a respite from the oppressive heat.

In districts 1, 4, Binh Thanh, Phu Nhuan, 12, and Hoc Mon, dark clouds gathered, and rainfall lasting approximately five minutes caught many by surprise. Although short-lived, the rain brought relief, dropping temperatures by 3-4 degrees Celsius and providing a much-needed break from the intense heat that has plagued the city since late March.

Le Dinh Quyet, head of the meteorological forecasting department at the Southern Regional Hydrometeorological Station, attributed the rainfall to atmospheric disturbances, offering hope for a temporary decrease in temperatures. However, residents were advised to remain cautious of impurities in the rainwater.

While hot conditions were expected to resume later in the day, forecasts suggest a decrease in the severity of the heatwave, with anticipated rainfall from May 4-5 to further alleviate temperatures as the city approaches the end of the dry season.