Potential storm, tropical depression to loom over East Vietnam Sea in May

The forecast, released on Tuesday, outlines climate trends across the country next month.

Heat is predicted to intensify across northern and central Vietnam, while it could ease slightly in the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam, with hot conditions in the southeastern region mainly occurring during the first half of May before tapering off.

Temperatures nationwide are expected to remain 0.5 to one degree Celsius above average, except for parts of the southern Central Highlands and the southern region, where mercury may be closer to the seasonal norm.

Rainfall across most of the country is forecast to be near average, though central and south-central provinces may receive 10-30 percent less rain than usual.

The center also highlighted the possibility of dangerous weather events, including thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and strong gusts.

From mid-May, the southwest monsoon is likely to begin affecting southern and Central Highlands provinces, bringing increased rainfall and thunderstorms.

Meteorologist Vu Anh Tuan from the national weather center said that showers and thunderstorms were already forming over the southern East Vietnam Sea on Tuesday afternoon, particularly near Vietnam’s Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago.

Between Tuesday night and Wednesday, adverse sea conditions -- including squalls and waves generated by thunderstorms -- are expected to impact vessels from south-central Binh Thuan Province to southernmost Ca Mau Province, and near the central East Vietnam Sea.