According to Vietnam’s National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the low-pressure area over waters southwest of the Hoang Sa archipelago strengthened into a tropical depression early on Sept. 12.

At 4am, the center of the tropical depression was located at approximately 15.2 degrees north latitude and 111.2 degrees east longitude, about 150km southwest of Hoang Sa.

Maximum sustained winds near the center reached 39-49km/h, with gusts of up to level 8 on Vietnam’s wind scale. The system was moving northwest at around 10km/h.

Over the next 24 hours, the tropical depression is forecast to continue northwest at approximately 10km/h. By 4am on Sept. 13, its center is expected to be over waters between Hue and Da Nang, about 120km east-northeast of Da Nang. It is forecast to maintain winds of 39-49km/h, with stronger gusts.

During the following 24 hours, the system is expected to turn west-northwest while maintaining a speed of around 10km/h.

By 4am on Sept. 14, its center is forecast to be over coastal waters between Ha Tinh and Hue, with its intensity largely unchanged.

Over the following 48 to 72 hours, the tropical depression is expected to continue west-northwest at around 10km/h before gradually weakening into a low-pressure area.

Under the influence of the tropical depression, waters west of Hoang Sa and from Ha Tinh to Quang Ngai are forecast to experience strong winds and gusts, with waves reaching 2-4 meters and rough seas.

Vessels operating in the affected areas could face thunderstorms, tornadoes, strong winds and high waves.

Of particular concern is the potential for complicated heavy rainfall across central Vietnam in the coming days due to the interaction between the tropical convergence zone connected to the depression and other atmospheric systems.

Heavy rain is forecast from Ha Tinh to northern Quang Tri on Sept. 12, with the heaviest rainfall expected from southern Quang Tri to Quang Ngai. Some areas could receive more than 250mm.

Bao Anh