According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, a cold air mass to the north is compressing and pushing a low-pressure trough, currently positioned around 24-27 degrees north latitude, southward. On June 7, northern Vietnam continues to experience hot weather, with temperatures commonly reaching 35-36C and exceeding 36C in some locations.

Forecasts indicate that by the late afternoon and evening of June 8, the cold air mass will begin affecting the northern mountainous region before expanding across the Northeast, parts of the Northwest and the North Central region.

On land, winds will shift to the northeast at force 2-3, increasing to force 3 in coastal areas.

From the night of June 8, the Northeast region and Thanh Hoa Province will turn cooler. The lowest temperatures during this cold spell are expected to range between 22C and 25C, with some mountainous areas dropping below 21C.

In Hanoi, moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast from the evening of June 8 through the early morning of June 9, with some locations likely to experience very heavy rainfall. From the night of June 8, the city is expected to become noticeably cooler, with minimum temperatures ranging from 23C to 25C.

Warning of heavy rain, tornadoes, lightning and strong winds

Meteorologists warn that from the evening of June 8 through June 9, the Northwest region, northern parts of Phu Tho and Tuyen Quang provinces may experience heavy to very heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms. Rainfall totals are forecast at 60-120mm, with some areas receiving more than 250mm.

Meanwhile, the North Central region is expected to see moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms, with isolated areas experiencing very heavy rainfall. Thanh Hoa and Nghe An provinces are forecast to receive 40-80mm of rain, with some locations exceeding 150mm.

Other parts of northern Vietnam are also expected to receive moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms from the evening of June 8 through the early morning of June 9. Rainfall totals are forecast at 20-50mm, while some areas could receive more than 100mm.

On the night of June 9, the Northwest and North Central regions will continue to experience moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms, with rainfall ranging from 15-40mm and isolated totals above 80mm. Heavy rainfall in these areas is expected to gradually ease from June 10.

Forecasters warn of extremely intense downpours, with rainfall potentially exceeding 100mm within three hours. Thunderstorms may also bring severe weather, including tornadoes, lightning, hail and strong gusty winds.

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

At sea, from the night of June 8, the northern Gulf of Tonkin is expected to experience northeast winds at force 4-5, occasionally reaching force 6 with gusts up to force 7. Wave heights are forecast at 1.5-2.5 meters, creating rough sea conditions.

Hanoi records extreme heat above 39C

Before the arrival of the late-season cold air mass, many locations across northern Vietnam and the area stretching from Thanh Hoa to Quang Tri experienced severe to exceptionally severe heat on June 7. Some weather stations recorded temperatures above 39C, including Lang Station in Hanoi at 39.2C and Thanh Hoa at 39.3C.

In Hue City, Da Nang and eastern areas from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak, maximum temperatures generally ranged from 37C to 39C, with some locations exceeding 40C. Recorded highs included 40.1C in Tam Ky and 40.5C in Quang Ngai.

Forecasts indicate that on June 8, the Red River Delta and southern Phu Tho will continue to experience hot weather, with some areas facing severe heat. Maximum temperatures are expected to range from 35C to 37C, with some locations exceeding 37C. Relative humidity is forecast at 55-60%.

From Thanh Hoa to Quang Tri, some areas may continue to experience exceptionally severe heat, with temperatures ranging from 36C to 38C and exceeding 39C in isolated locations. Relative humidity is expected to remain between 45% and 50%.

The most intense heat is forecast in Hue City, Da Nang and eastern areas from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak, where temperatures are expected to reach 37C-39C and exceed 40C in some places. Relative humidity may fall to 40-45%.

By June 9, the arrival of the late-season cold air mass and associated thunderstorms will bring cooler conditions to northern Vietnam and the North Central region. However, areas from Quang Tri to Da Nang and eastern provinces stretching from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak are expected to remain very hot, although maximum temperatures will ease to 35C-37C, with some locations still exceeding 37C. Relative humidity is forecast at 55-60%.

Widespread hot weather across central Vietnam is expected to end from June 10 onward.

Bao Anh