Heavy rains forecast to continue in central Vietnam, further storms possible in East Vietnam Sea

The current cold air spell in central Vietnam is expected to strengthen over the coming weeks, bringing repeated rain events across central provinces and cities.

Areas from southern Quang Tri to Da Nang, the eastern parts of Quang Ngai to Dak Lak, and Khanh Hoa are likely to experience heavy, widespread rain, particularly at the end of November and the first days of December.

The center warned that from late November through late December, one or two additional storms or tropical depressions may form in the East Vietnam Sea and could affect mainland Vietnam.

So far this year, 14 storms and five tropical depressions have occurred in the region.

In late November, the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam may see scattered showers and thunderstorms, especially in higher-altitude areas.

Total rainfall in the north and provinces from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang is expected to remain below the long-term average, while most other regions will see near-normal levels.

Eastern Quang Ngai to Dak Lak and Khanh Hoa could receive 250-500mm, with some locations exceeding 600mm.

Authorities have warned that heavy rains may cause floods, waterlogging in low-lying areas, and landslides in mountainous zones, along with strong winds, thunderstorms, hail, and lightning.

In the short term, from Sunday to next Tuesday, Hue, Da Nang, and eastern Quang Ngai are expected to receive moderate to heavy rain of 60-120mm, with isolated areas exceeding 250mm.

The eastern parts of Gia Lai, Dak Lak, and northern Khanh Hoa may see light to moderate rain on Sunday, totaling 10-30mm, with some locations above 70mm.

Next Tuesday, the eastern provinces from Quang Ngai to Gia Lai could experience moderate to heavy rain of 20-40mm, with isolated areas exceeding 80mm, before easing later in the day.

Since late October, the area from Ha Tinh to Quang Ngai and the eastern parts of Gia Lai and Dak Lak have experienced three rounds of widespread heavy rain.

Two major events from October 23 to November 3 brought 500-800mm across most areas, with some locations exceeding 1,000mm.

Hue and Da Nang were particularly affected, with rainfall totals surpassing 2,000mm in some places, including Nam Dong Commune (Hue) at 2,452mm and Tra My Commune (Da Nang) at 2,061mm.

A later rain event from November 16 to 20, affecting the provinces from Ha Tinh to Khanh Hoa, focused on the south-central region, with precipitation ranging from 150 to 650mm, notably Son Hoa Commune (Dak Lak) at 1,037mm.

On November 19, several locations in Gia Lai and Dak Lak recorded daily rainfall exceeding previous November records, from 174mm to 600mm, surpassing old records by 46-140mm.

Currently, river levels have been falling at several monitoring points across multiple provinces.

Floods on the Krong Ana River (Dak Lak) and Dong Nai River (Dong Nai) are expected to remain below alarm levels 3 and 2, respectively, while the Dinh Ninh Hoa River (Khanh Hoa) is forecast at alarm level 2 or slightly above.

The Srepok River in Dak Lak remains above alarm level 3.