Northern Vietnam is expected to see generally little rain through September 30, with sunny days and temperatures exceeding 35°C in some places, according to forecaster Pham Thi Thanh Hoa of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

From the night of September 30, a weak influx of cold air following an easterly track is expected to affect the north, bringing scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.

In Hanoi, maximum temperatures on October 1–2 are forecast to fall by about 4°C from preceding levels to around 32°C.

Meanwhile, the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam will continue to experience scattered afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms, with locally heavy rain. Residents should remain alert to whirlwinds, lightning and strong gusts during thunderstorms.

Further cooling to bring Hanoi highs down to 27°C

Hoa said the cold air mass could strengthen more markedly from the night of October 4 into October 5, bringing a noticeable change in weather across northern Vietnam and the area from Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh.

Rainfall is expected to increase, with heavy downpours in some places, while temperatures fall further.

In Hanoi, temperatures are forecast to decline again on October 5, with a high of around 27°C and a low of 22–23°C, bringing cooler conditions.

From the night of October 5 into October 6, rain could spread south to the area from Quang Tri to Da Nang and the eastern part of Quang Ngai province.

Northern Vietnam is therefore likely to see a marked shift in weather during the opening days of October, as successive waves of cold air bring rain and lower temperatures.

Bao Anh