Widespread thunderstorms to bring heavy rain to southern Vietnam

According to the Southern Regional Hydrometeorological Center, southern Vietnam will experience predominantly cloudy conditions with showers and thunderstorms over the coming days, particularly in the afternoon, evening and overnight.

On October 11, the combined influence of the southern edge of a slightly strengthening continental high-pressure system extending eastward and an intertropical convergence zone crossing the Mekong Delta is expected to bring widespread thunderstorms to the region.

Many areas could receive moderate rainfall, with isolated locations experiencing heavy to very heavy downpours.

In the Mekong Delta, rain may begin around midday or in the afternoon, while southeastern areas are likely to see rainfall later, mainly in the late afternoon and evening.

Tay Ninh, Dong Thap, An Giang and Ca Mau are among the provinces forecast to experience the heaviest rainfall.

Widespread rain is expected to continue across southern Vietnam on October 12, although the intensity of moderate to heavy downpours is likely to ease temporarily.

Meteorologists warn that thunderstorms could intensify again from October 13 as an upper-level easterly wind disturbance moves inland over southern Vietnam.

Rainfall is expected to become widespread once more, with moderate rain in many areas and isolated heavy to very heavy downpours.

As most of the rain is forecast to fall in the late afternoon, evening and overnight, residents are advised to remain alert to localised flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.

High tides to exceed Level 3 warning threshold, threatening urban flooding

Alongside the persistent thunderstorms, high tides are forecast to rise significantly in Ho Chi Minh City, My Thuan and Can Tho over the coming days.

According to the meteorological agency, water levels at most monitoring stations along rivers, canals and waterways are rising rapidly and are expected to peak between October 11 and 13.

Peak tidal levels during this period could exceed the Level 3 warning threshold, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying neighbourhoods, riverside communities and numerous urban streets.

Of particular concern is the combination of heavy rainfall and exceptionally high tides, which could make flooding more severe and difficult to manage.

The resulting inundation may disrupt traffic and daily activities, especially in Ho Chi Minh City and other major urban centres across southern Vietnam.

Residents are being urged to take precautionary measures, including moving valuable belongings to higher ground and regularly monitoring weather forecasts and flood warnings.

Motorists and pedestrians should also exercise particular caution when travelling through low-lying streets during heavy downpours or when tidal levels reach their peak.

Bao Anh