Typhoon Ragasa is forecast to make landfall in Quang Ninh on September 25 with wind strength at level 10. Meanwhile, tropical storm Bualoi is also expected to enter the Gulf of Tonkin, potentially becoming the 10th storm of the year, with a predicted intensity of level 12.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF), as of 7:00 p.m. on September 24, the eye of typhoon Ragasa was located about 375 km east of Mong Cai (Quang Ninh). Its maximum sustained winds had weakened to level 12 (118–133 km/h), with gusts reaching level 15. This marks a drop of five levels from its peak intensity earlier in the morning, when it was classified as a super typhoon.

Dr. Hoang Phuc Lam, Deputy Director of the NCHMF, stated that Ragasa will continue moving steadily westward at about 20 km/h.

“It is expected that by tomorrow morning, September 25, the eye of the storm will enter the northern part of the Gulf of Tonkin with wind intensity dropping to level 10–11, and gusts reaching levels 13–14,” Lam explained.

Due to the storm’s impact, strong winds will begin tonight across the Gulf of Tonkin, increasing from level 6–7 to level 8–9, and reaching level 10–11 near the eye, with gusts up to level 13–14.

On land, the main areas expected to be directly affected tonight and tomorrow morning are Quang Ninh and Hai Phong.

In particular, Quang Ninh is expected to experience winds of level 8–9 with gusts up to level 10–11. Hai Phong, Lang Son, and the eastern part of Bac Ninh may see winds at level 7–8. The Red River Delta region, including Hanoi, is forecast to have level 6 winds.

Rainfall will also intensify tonight, beginning in Quang Ninh, Lang Son, and Hai Phong. In the Red River Delta, including Hanoi, rain is expected to increase starting midday on September 25.

Total rainfall in affected areas is expected to range from 100 to 250 mm, with some areas possibly exceeding 400 mm. Particularly heavy rain is forecast for the eastern slopes of the Hoang Lien Son range (former Lao Cai and Yen Bai provinces).

According to Dr. Lam, typhoon Ragasa shares two key characteristics with super typhoon Yagi in 2024: intensity and affected areas. Both storms reached super typhoon status and directly impacted Quang Ninh and Hai Phong.

However, he emphasized that the two storms differ significantly in other aspects, such as formation area, direction and speed of movement, peak timing, and impact timing. While Yagi struck in early September, Ragasa is hitting in late September.

Storm Bualoi forming near the Philippines

Currently, a new storm named Bualoi has formed east of the Philippines. This is the 20th tropical storm in the northwest Pacific in 2025. It is expected to enter the East Sea within the next two days and likely become Vietnam’s 10th named storm. Bualoi has just formed and is currently at level 8.

Dr. Lam noted that international models are still inconsistent regarding both Bualoi’s trajectory and intensity.

“As the storm strengthens and develops a well-organized cloud system and stable core structure, the reliability of forecasts will improve,” he added.

The NCHMF will continue to monitor and provide timely updates on the development of both storms.

Bao Anh