Heat, wind convergence blamed for hail, storms in northern Vietnam

Hoang Phuc Lam, deputy director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, said the system intensified as it encountered a hot air mass linked to a western low-pressure area, causing the rapid development of storm clouds.

The severe weather was recorded from Sunday to early Monday, with two widespread rounds of showers and thunderstorms across northern Vietnam.

Hail, lightning, and strong winds were reported in areas including Hanoi, Lao Cai Province, and Son La Province.

Rainfall reached 72 mm in Hai Phong City, 70 mm in Bac Ninh Province, and 54 mm in Hanoi, according to the agency.

Authorities reported damage in several provinces.

In Lao Cai, three people were injured, seven houses collapsed, and more than 4,100 homes and several public buildings had roofs damaged.

In Hanoi, a falling tree injured one person, while storms in Phu Tho Province uprooted trees and damaged a vehicle.

As northern Vietnam is entering a seasonal transition period, hot weather is expected to continue through Tuesday in parts of the northwest and central regions, with temperatures reaching 35-38 degrees Celsius.

A weak cold air mass from late Tuesday could bring cooler conditions from Wednesday to Thursday, while increasing the risk of further storms.

Authorities warned residents to monitor weather updates and take precautions as storms can develop rapidly.