According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, scattered showers and thunderstorms occurred overnight on August 16 and early on August 17 in the northeastern region, the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam, with some areas experiencing heavy to torrential rain.

Rainfall recorded from 7pm on August 16 to 3am on August 17 exceeded 50mm in some locations, including 156mm in Lai Chau, 85mm in Bac Ninh, 55mm in Phu Tho and 52.2mm in Hanoi.

Notably, weather conditions in northern Vietnam were highly variable on August 17. While thunderstorms have already developed in mountainous areas, the midland and lowland areas, including Hanoi, continued to experience hot and humid conditions, with temperatures reaching dangerous heat levels in some places.

Weather updates issued on August 17 also indicated that northern Vietnam would remain hot, while widespread heavy rain is expected to intensify from the late afternoon and overnight.

Heavy rain to intensify from tonight

From the night of August 17 through the night of August 18, northern Vietnam and areas from Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh provinces are forecast to experience moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms, with rainfall generally ranging from 50-120mm and locally exceeding 200mm. The weather agency warned that rainfall rates could exceed 100mm in three hours in some areas.

Meanwhile, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected in the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam on the afternoon and night of August 17, with rainfall generally ranging from 15-30mm and locally exceeding 60mm.

From August 19 to 21, heavy rain would continue in northern Vietnam and areas from Thanh Hoa to Quang Tri provinces, with rainfall generally ranging from 100-180mm and locally exceeding 250mm.

In Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Tuyen Quang, Cao Bang, and Lang Son in the north and Quang Tri province in the central region, rainfall is expected to range from 50-80mm, with some areas receiving more than 200mm.

In Hanoi, the shift in weather conditions on August 17 was particularly noticeable. During the morning and early afternoon, residents continued to experience high temperatures and humid conditions as the lowland areas of northern Vietnam was under the influence of hot weather.

Hanoi is forecast to be cloudy with hot conditions during the day, with some areas experiencing severe heat and temperatures reaching 35-37°C. However, from the late afternoon and overnight, weather conditions are expected to deteriorate, bringing moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms. Thunderstorms could be accompanied by tornadoes, lightning and strong gusty winds.

Warning of flash floods, landslides and flooding

Prolonged heavy rain can cause not only urban flooding but also increase the risk of flash floods and landslides in mountainous and midland areas.

In particular, areas that have already experienced heavy rain could see the soil become saturated, increasing the risk of landslides when further intense rainfall occurs. Areas along rivers and streams, steep slopes and low-lying areas should be closely monitored throughout the rainy spell.

The weather agency has classified the risk level for heavy rain, tornadoes, lightning and hail as Level 1. During thunderstorms, people should be alert to tornadoes, lightning and strong gusty winds, while those in mountainous areas should pay particular attention to the risk of flash floods and landslides.

The heavy-rain spell is forecast to continue through August 21. Residents across northern Vietnam, particularly in mountainous areas, low-lying areas and major cities such as Hanoi, are advised to regularly monitor weather forecasts and warnings and make appropriate preparations for travel, production and daily activities.

Central Vietnam braces for intense heat through August 18

VOV.VN - Heatwaves with temperatures reaching 35 to 37 degrees Celsius, and over 37 degrees in some areas, are forecast to continue across Vietnam’s central city of Da Nang, eastern parts of provinces from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak, and Khanh Hoa on August 15.