Two waves of cold air are forecast to reach northern Vietnam in early October, bringing rain and lowering Hanoi’s daytime highs from around 36°C to 32°C, then to about 27°C.

Two waterspouts formed within minutes of each other off Vung Tau in southern Vietnam on Friday morning, surprising residents and tourists along the popular coastal area.

Vietnam is preparing for sharply contrasting weather risks as a very strong El Nino intensifies, with extreme rainfall and storms still possible even as drought and water shortages become a growing concern.

El Nino has reached a rarely seen level of intensity, raising the risk of severe drought, water shortages and saltwater intrusion across southern and south-central Vietnam.

A large waterspout formed off Vung Tau in southern Vietnam during a thunderstorm, prompting meteorologists to explain the conditions behind the phenomenon and warn of further severe weather.

Hanoi and eight northern provinces face another spell of intense rain overnight into Sept. 18 before conditions ease, while heavy downpours are forecast to spread south into central Vietnam.

Hanoi faces another night and day of heavy rain through Sept. 17, with some areas forecast to receive more than 100mm as northern Vietnam remains on alert for flash floods and landslides.

Ho Chi Minh City and other parts of southern Vietnam have been blanketed by thick haze in recent days, lingering from early morning until late afternoon.

Vietnam is preparing for potentially severe water shortages as El Nino could cut river flows by as much as 78% in some regions, threatening households, agriculture and energy security.

Vietnamese authorities have ordered heightened preparations across 13 provinces and cities as several days of heavy rain threaten flooding, landslides and dangerous conditions on roads.

Torrential rain is forecast to continue across northern and north-central Vietnam, with parts of Hanoi expecting more than 250mm by late Sept. 15 and authorities warning of floods and landslides.

Northern Vietnam is bracing for three days of torrential rain, with some areas forecast to receive more than 500mm and authorities warning of flash floods, landslides and widespread flooding.

A tropical depression was about 230km southeast of Da Nang on September 12 and moving toward central Vietnam, bringing torrential rain and raising the risk of flash floods and landslides.

A low-pressure system in the East Sea has strengthened into a tropical depression and is moving northwest toward central Vietnam, with strong winds, rough seas and heavy rainfall forecast in the coming days.

Two to three storms and tropical depressions could develop in the East Sea in September, including Storm No. 5, with one or two potentially affecting Vietnam’s mainland. El Nino remains strong and could persist into the first half of 2027.

The 2026-2027 El Nino is forecast to become extremely strong, potentially bringing an early end to southern Vietnam’s rainy season and raising the risk of severe heat, drought and saltwater intrusion.

Vietnam is preparing for a potentially turbulent 10 days, with a tropical depression possibly strengthening into a storm while central regions face widespread heavy rain and flash-flood risks.

Northern Vietnam is set for its first cold spell of the 2026-2027 season several days earlier than usual, while forecasters are tracking a tropical system that could strengthen into a storm.

El Niño is forecast to reach very strong intensity from September 2026 to February 2027, requiring relevant ministries, sectors and localities to take proactive and timely measures to respond effectively.