According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, a tropical convergence zone stretching across the southern part of the Red River Delta and north-central Vietnam will trigger widespread heavy rain across northern Vietnam and areas from Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh in the coming days.

Specifically, from around the night of August 17 through August 21, northern Vietnam, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An and Ha Tinh are forecast to see moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms, with very heavy rain in some locations. Total rainfall is generally expected to reach 150-300mm during the spell, with localized totals exceeding 450mm.

The localities of Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, Thai Nguyen, southern Tuyen Quang, Lao Cai, Phu Tho, Son La, Hanoi, Hung Yen, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An and Ha Tinh are forecast to receive total rainfall of 150-300mm during the period, with more than 450mm possible in some locations.

Meanwhile, Lai Chau, Dien Bien, northern Tuyen Quang, Cao Bang and Lang Son are expected to record total rainfall of 100-200mm, with localized amounts exceeding 300mm.

Notably, the weather agency has warned of the risk of intense downpours delivering more than 100mm of rain within three hours.

During thunderstorms, residents should remain alert to hazardous weather including tornadoes, lightning, hail and strong wind gusts.

Localized heavy rain could heighten the risk of flash floods along small rivers and streams and landslides on steep slopes, while also causing flooding in low-lying areas and urban centers.

The weather agency has advised residents to closely monitor weather forecasts and warnings and prepare appropriate response measures, particularly in areas facing a high risk of flash floods and landslides.

Weather outlook for the next 10 days, from the night of August 15 through August 25

From the night of August 15 through August 17

Before the major rain spell arrives, northern Vietnam will see scattered showers and thunderstorms in the late afternoon and at night from August 15-17, with localized heavy rain, while sunny intervals are expected during the day. On August 17 in particular, showers and scattered thunderstorms are forecast across the region, with heavy rain in some places.

Areas from Thanh Hoa to Hue City and the south-central coast will see showers and thunderstorms in some places during the late afternoon and at night. Thanh Hoa and Nghe An, in particular, are expected to experience scattered showers and thunderstorms, with localized heavy rain. During the day, hot weather is forecast across the region, with severe heat in some locations.

In the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected, with localized heavy rain.

Heavy rain in northern and north-central Vietnam from the night of August 17

According to the weather outlook through August 25, northern Vietnam is likely to experience moderate to heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms from around the night of August 17 through August 21, with very heavy rain in some locations. From August 22, rainfall is expected to ease, with the region seeing scattered showers and thunderstorms and localized heavy rain.

From Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh, moderate to heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms are forecast from the night of August 17 through August 21, with very heavy rain in some places. From August 22, showers and thunderstorms are expected in a few locations.

From Quang Tri to Hue City and along the south-central coast, the weather will mainly feature isolated showers and thunderstorms, with sunny conditions during the day and hot weather in some places. From August 18-20, however, areas from Quang Tri to Da Nang City are forecast to see scattered showers and thunderstorms.

In the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam, showers and thunderstorms are expected in a few places, becoming scattered in the afternoon and evening, with localized heavy rain.

Tornadoes, lightning, hail and strong wind gusts may occur during thunderstorms.

Bao Anh