Following the arrival of Typhoon Maysak, the first named storm of the season, and several episodes of heavy rainfall, Vietnam's weather authorities have forecast another month of unsettled conditions across the country, with risks of additional tropical storms, widespread rain and prolonged heat.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has released its latest assessment of weather conditions over the past month and its outlook for the period from July 11 to August 10.

First storm of the season brings heavy rain and extreme heat

Between June 11 and July 10, weather conditions across Vietnam remained highly variable, marked by the formation of the year's first tropical cyclone over the East Sea, multiple rounds of heavy rainfall, prolonged heatwaves and other extreme weather events.

On July 1, a low-pressure system over the central East Sea strengthened into a tropical depression. By the evening of July 2, it intensified into Typhoon Maysak, the first named storm affecting the East Sea in 2026. After reaching Category 9 on Vietnam's wind scale, with gusts up to Category 11, the storm moved south of China's Hainan Island before entering the northern Gulf of Tonkin. It made landfall near Mong Cai in Quang Ninh Province on the evening of July 4 with sustained winds of Category 8–9 and gusts up to Category 12, before weakening into a tropical depression over southern Guangxi, China, and dissipating.

Meteorologists noted that although Maysak was not an especially powerful storm, its slow movement and prolonged presence off the coast of Quang Ninh Province resulted in hours of strong winds affecting Mong Cai and the northeastern coastline, causing significant damage.

Northern Vietnam also experienced four widespread rainfall events during the past month. The most significant occurred between June 26 and July 6, when a tropical convergence zone combined with Maysak's circulation to produce exceptionally heavy rain across the northeast. Rainfall totals generally ranged from 150 mm to 300 mm, increasing to 300–500 mm in Quang Ninh Province, with some locations exceeding 800 mm. Mong Cai recorded 817.7 mm during the event.

Rain showers and thunderstorms also affected areas from Thanh Hoa to Hue, the South Central Coast, the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam, with some locations experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall.

During the same period, northern Vietnam experienced two heatwaves, with temperatures commonly reaching 36–38°C and exceeding 39°C in some areas. From Thanh Hoa to the South Central Coast, a prolonged heatwave lasted from mid- to late June, with temperatures surpassing 40°C in several locations. Several weather stations recorded new historical highs for the period, including 42.2°C at Tay Hieu in Nghe An Province, 41.5°C at Quy Chau and 41°C in Ninh Binh. Southern Vietnam also experienced several days of widespread heat.

The weather agency reported that average temperatures nationwide during the past month were 0.5–1.5°C above the long-term average. Total rainfall was 20–50% below average across most regions, although parts of the northern midlands, mountainous areas and several central provinces recorded rainfall 15–50% above normal.

More storms, heat and heavy rain forecast

From now until August 10, average temperatures across Vietnam are expected to remain 0.5–1°C above the long-term average, with the South Central Coast forecast to be 1–1.5°C warmer than normal.

Rainfall in northern Vietnam and Thanh Hoa Province is expected to remain close to the seasonal average, with some locations receiving 10–20% more rainfall than usual. Other regions are forecast to receive 10–30% less rainfall than average.

Meteorologists also warned that tropical storm and tropical depression activity over the East Sea is likely to remain close to the long-term average during the period and could still directly affect Vietnam's mainland. Historically, the East Sea records an average of 1.9 tropical systems during this period, with 0.8 making landfall in Vietnam.

Northern and central Vietnam are also expected to experience additional hot days. Heat intensity is forecast to ease somewhat in the north, while central Vietnam may continue to face severe and locally extreme heatwaves.

Widespread heavy rainfall is expected mainly across northern Vietnam and the area stretching from Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh. The Central Highlands and southern Vietnam will continue to experience frequent showers and thunderstorms, with heavy rain most likely during the late afternoon and evening.

Across the country, authorities warned of thunderstorms, whirlwinds, lightning, hail and strong wind gusts.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting urged residents and local authorities to closely monitor weather forecasts and short-term warnings so they can adjust production activities, daily routines and disaster preparedness measures to minimize damage from extreme weather.

Bao Anh