A tropical depression in the East Sea has intensified into Typhoon No. 2 for this year, with maximum sustained winds of 62-74 km/h and gusts reaching up to 92 km/h. The typhoon is moving toward the northern Gulf of Tonkin, bringing heavy rains to various regions across Vietnam.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the tropical depression over the Hoang Sa Archipelago strengthened into Typhoon No. 2 as of the morning of July 21.

At approximately 7am, the typhoon's center was located over the Hoang Sa Archipelago. The strongest winds near the center were measured at level 8 (62-74 km/h), with gusts up to level 10. The storm is advancing west-northwest at 10-15 km/h.

The typhoon is expected to continue moving west-northwest at the same speed. By 7am on July 22, the storm's center will be over Hainan Island (China). The strongest winds near the center will remain at level 8, with gusts up to level 10.

After reaching Hainan Island, the storm will maintain its trajectory and slow to 10 km/h as it enters the Gulf of Tonkin, gradually weakening into a tropical depression. By 7am on July 23, the depression will be over the northern Gulf of Tonkin, with wind speeds dropping to levels 6-7 and gusts up to level 9.

In the following 24 hours, the depression will continue northwest at approximately 10 km/h, further weakening into a low-pressure area. By 7am on July 24, the low-pressure area will be situated inland southwest of Guangxi Province (China).

Due to Typhoon No. 2, strong winds of levels 6-7 are expected in the western regions of the North and Central East Sea (including the Hoang Sa Archipelago) and the eastern areas from Quang Tri to Quang Ngai provinces. Winds near the storm center may reach level 8, with gusts up to level 10, leading to rough seas and waves reaching 2-4 meters high, and up to 5 meters near the storm center.

Inland weather conditions

This afternoon and evening, the Central Highlands and southeastern Vietnam will experience moderate to heavy rains and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy downpours ranging from 20-50 mm, and some areas potentially receiving over 100 mm. Rainfall is expected to decrease from tonight onwards.

Additionally, scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecasted for the Central Central region today and tonight, with isolated heavy rain of 20-40 mm, and some areas seeing over 80 mm.

The northwestern, north-central, and southwestern regions will also experience scattered showers and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy rain of 15-30 mm, and some areas potentially receiving over 70 mm.

The meteorological agency has issued warnings for the possibility of flash floods, landslides in mountainous areas, and flooding in low-lying and urban areas. There is also a risk of tornadoes, lightning, hail, and strong winds during thunderstorms.

Bao Anh