Ho Chi Minh City braces for 5 days of heavy rain

Meteorologists said a tropical convergence zone will strengthen and shift southward across the region around Thursday, while southwest monsoon winds intensify.

This combination is likely to trigger widespread rainfall.

The regional weather agency warned of thunderstorms accompanied by strong gusts, lightning, and whirlwinds.

Residents are advised to prepare for potential flooding in low-lying areas and disruptions to transportation.

The tropical convergence zone is a belt of atmospheric circulation near the equator where trade winds from both hemispheres meet.

The hot, humid air rises sharply, forming dense storm clouds that can produce prolonged heavy rainfall.

Weather disturbances along this zone often develop into low-pressure areas, tropical depressions, or storms, when conditions are favorable.

In Vietnam, the convergence zone typically becomes active between May and October, coinciding with the peak of the rainy and storm season.