The hot spell in the northern and central regions over the past days will continue until the weekend, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting. The Foehn wind, caused by impact of the southeastern edge of the western hot low-pressure area, will continue causing hot weather across the northern region, with  temperatures ranging from 35 to 38 degrees Celsius, and even higher in some places, on July 2. Meanwhile, the wind will send the mercury to as high as 40 degrees or even higher in central provinces. Also in July, one or two storms or tropical depressions are forecast in the East Sea, threatening to affect the mainland in the later half of the month. About two or three other hot spells will affect the northern and central regions this month, but they will not last long or be too harsh, the centre said. The centre also warned of downpours and a high risk of flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas in northern mountainous areas, as July is the peak of the raining season in the north. Widespread rains are also likely to occur in the central, Central Highlands and southern regions this month.-VNA