According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, a low-pressure area was located about 1,200 kilometers east of the Philippines on the afternoon of July 21.

The weather agency forecasts that the system could strengthen into a tropical depression around July 23. Between July 24 and 25, the depression has around a 70% chance of developing into a tropical storm before moving into the northeastern East Sea between July 25 and 26, with a probability of 60–70%.

Northern Vietnam braces for widespread heavy rain

At the same time, northern Vietnam is forecast to experience widespread heavy rainfall from July 23 to 25, with accumulated precipitation of 70–150mm, while some locations could receive more than 250mm. The heaviest rain is expected during the late afternoon, overnight and early morning.

Provinces considered most at risk include Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Dien Bien and Son La. These mountainous areas face a high risk of flash floods along small rivers and streams, as well as landslides on steep slopes.

Rainfall is expected to gradually ease from July 25 to 26, provided the region is not directly affected by the circulation of the developing storm.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said it is closely monitoring both the tropical system and the upcoming heavy rain across northern Vietnam.

Central Vietnam continues to endure extreme heat

Over the next 24 to 48 hours, northern Vietnam and Thanh Hoa will see sunny conditions during the day, with some areas experiencing hot weather. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast in the late afternoon and evening, with isolated heavy downpours.

From Nghe An to Hue, along with the eastern parts of the provinces stretching from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak, hot weather will persist, with some areas expected to experience severe or exceptionally intense heat. Isolated showers and thunderstorms are possible during the evening and overnight.

Elsewhere, daytime sunshine will continue, with some locations also experiencing hot conditions, followed by scattered showers and thunderstorms later in the day.

Weather patterns support continued rainfall

According to meteorologists, the low-pressure trough over northern Vietnam is expected to remain relatively stable through the end of July, while the southwest monsoon over southern Vietnam will continue at moderate intensity.

At higher altitudes, the subtropical high-pressure system is forecast to extend westward, combining with an upper-level wind convergence zone at around 5,000 meters over northern Vietnam through July 25–26 before gradually weakening. These weather patterns are expected to sustain showers and thunderstorms across the region in the coming days.

The weather agency also warned that thunderstorms nationwide could bring tornado-like whirlwinds, lightning, hail and strong wind gusts.

Residents in the northern mountainous provinces are advised to closely follow weather forecasts and warnings so they can prepare for flash floods, landslides and localized flooding.

Meanwhile, fishermen and vessels operating in the East Sea are urged to closely monitor updates on the low-pressure system, which could strengthen into a tropical depression or storm in the coming days.

Bao Anh