3 storms, tropical depressions may hit East Vietnam Sea over next month

According to the monthly forecast released on Saturday by the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, cold air activity will continue to strengthen in frequency and intensity during this period.

Widespread heavy rainfall is expected in northern provinces and the north-central provinces of Thanh Hoa and Nghe An early in the forecast window.

From Ha Tinh to Quang Ngai Provinces in central Vietnam, several rounds of heavy rain are also anticipated, while other regions may experience frequent showers and thunderstorms, including days with moderate to heavy rainfall.

The national weather agency cautioned that dangerous weather events such as thunderstorms, whirlwinds, lightning, hail, and strong gusts are still likely to occur nationwide.

Overall rainfall across most regions will remain around average, except for Ha Tinh to Quang Ngai, where it is expected to be 20-40 percent higher than usual.

In the context of climate change, weather patterns are becoming increasingly unpredictable, with extreme events like flash floods and landslides occurring more often, the center warned.

Local authorities must closely monitor short-term forecasts to adjust production plans and disaster response measures in time.

The center also urged relevant agencies to ensure the safe operation of reservoirs to protect downstream areas and minimize losses to people, infrastructure, and agriculture.

4 storms formed in past month

From September 11 to October 10, four storms developed in the East Vietnam Sea, including Mitag (storm No. 8), Ragasa (storm No. 9), Bualoi (storm No. 10), and Matmo (storm No. 11).

Of these, the three storms Ragasa, Bualoi, and Matmo directly impacted Vietnam, bringing severe rainfall and flooding to northern and north-central provinces.

The most notable downpours occurred in early October, when historic rainfall levels were recorded in some areas.

On October 7, Thai Nguyen Province in northern Vietnam measured 491 millimeters of rainfall in a single day, which exceeded all previous monthly and annual records.

Cumulative rainfall in the northern and north-central regions, including Thanh Hoa and Nghe An, was 100-200 percent higher than the long-term average, and 300-450 percent higher in some northern mountainous areas.

Heavy rain expected next week

From Monday night, northeastern provinces and the areas from Thanh Hoa to Quang Tri are forecast to experience moderate to very heavy rain with thunderstorms.

Rain is expected to expand across the entire northern region on Tuesday, before easing into scattered showers on Thursday.

Flooding in Thai Nguyen, Bac Ninh, Lang Son Provinces, and parts of Hanoi, is expected to persist for two more days, or up to three days in low-lying areas.