Ho Chi Minh City to see rainfall of more than 250 mm from Thursday

The Southern Region Hydro-Meteorological Center has forecast weather conditions for southern provinces and cities over the next three days, from September 16 to 18.

On Wednesday, the region is expected to see sunny conditions in the morning, with heavy rain in some areas in the afternoon, although overall rainfall remains limited. Rainfall is likely to be concentrated along the western coast, northern Dong Nai and Lam Dong provinces. 

Temperatures are forecast to reach 31-34 degrees Celsius, with some areas exceeding 34 degrees Celsius. Thunderstorms could bring tornadoes, lightning, and strong wind gusts.

From September 17 to 21, southern provinces and cities are expected to experience moderate to heavy rain, with some areas seeing very heavy downpours and thunderstorms. 

Total rainfall during the period is forecast at 100-250 mm, with some areas receiving more than 250 mm. Heavy rain could cause flooding in low-lying areas and locations with poor drainage in major cities.

The weather center attributed the rainy spell to the likely strengthening of the intertropical convergence zone around September 17, as it gradually shifts southward across southern Vietnam.

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon is also expected to strengthen.

The intertropical convergence zone is an atmospheric belt near the equator where winds from the two hemispheres, including trade winds and monsoon winds, converge.

In this zone, warm, moisture-laden air rises strongly when the air masses meet, causing condensation and the formation of dense thunderstorm clouds that can produce prolonged heavy rain.