Heavy rain is forecast to affect northern Vietnam's mountainous and midland regions, along with Quang Ninh Province, from the evening of July 8 through July 10, with localized rainfall expected to exceed 300mm. Meteorologists have warned of flooding, flash floods and landslides.

Northern Vietnam braces for torrential rain, with over 100mm possible in three hours

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, a low-pressure trough stretching across northern Vietnam remains active, bringing widespread moderate to heavy rainfall across much of the region.

During July 8, showers and thunderstorms developed across the northern mountainous and midland provinces as well as Quang Ninh, with some locations experiencing heavy to very heavy rainfall.

"Residents in Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Lao Cai, Hoa Binh, Hanoi, Thai Nguyen, Lang Son, Bac Ninh, Ninh Binh, Hung Yen and neighboring provinces should closely monitor weather developments this afternoon and adjust travel plans accordingly," the meteorological agency said.

From the evening of July 8 through July 10, moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue across the northern mountains, midlands and Quang Ninh, with widespread rainfall totals of 70-150mm and isolated areas receiving more than 300mm.

Forecasters also warned of extremely intense downpours, with rainfall exceeding 100mm within just three hours in some locations. Strong thunderstorms are also expected over the Gulf of Tonkin during the next two days, bringing the risk of squalls, waterspouts and damaging wind gusts.

Elsewhere across northern Vietnam, scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast from the evening of July 8 through July 9, with rainfall generally ranging from 10-30mm and isolated totals exceeding 70mm. Most of the rain is expected during the late afternoon, evening and early morning.

During the evenings of July 8 and 9, scattered showers and thunderstorms will also continue across the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam, with rainfall of 10-20mm and isolated areas receiving more than 50mm, mainly during the late afternoon and evening.

Widespread heavy rain across northern Vietnam and Quang Ninh is expected to gradually ease from the night of July 10.

The meteorological agency warned that thunderstorms may be accompanied by tornado-like whirlwinds, lightning, hail and strong wind gusts. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities during storms and remain alert to localized flooding. Mountainous areas face an elevated risk of flash floods along small rivers and streams, as well as landslides on steep slopes.

Central Vietnam faces heat while the south remains stormy

From the night of July 8 through July 10, the area from Nghe An to Hue City is expected to see only isolated showers and thunderstorms during the evening and overnight hours, while daytime conditions remain hot. From July 10, hot weather is forecast to persist from Quang Tri to Hue City.

The south-central coastal region will also continue to experience hot weather, with some locations facing severe heat, while isolated showers and thunderstorms are expected during the evening and night.

On July 9, temperatures from Nghe An to Da Nang, as well as the eastern parts of the provinces stretching from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak, are forecast to reach 35-36°C, with some locations exceeding 36°C. Minimum relative humidity is expected to range from 55% to 60%.

On July 10, temperatures from Quang Tri to Da Nang and the eastern areas from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak are forecast to reach 35-37°C, with some places exceeding 37°C. Minimum humidity is expected to fall to 50-55%.

Looking further ahead, forecasters said scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue across northern Vietnam between the night of July 10 and July 18, with isolated heavy rain still possible. However, rainfall is expected to ease around July 12-13 and again after July 16.

From Thanh Hoa to Hue City, scattered showers and thunderstorms may occur between the night of July 10 and July 12, while hot weather is expected to persist in Quang Tri, Da Nang and the eastern parts of the provinces from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak.

The Central Highlands and southern Vietnam are forecast to maintain their typical seasonal weather pattern, with afternoon and evening thunderstorms continuing.

Bao Anh