Heavy downpours forecast for northern Vietnam from Thursday

From May 22 to 25, widespread heavy rain is expected across the northern region and along the north-central coast, the department said in a dispatch on Monday.

Rainfall will range from 100 to 250mm, with some areas likely to see more than 350mm.

Localized downpours exceeding 100mm may occur over a three-hour period, it said.

Although Vietnam has yet to enter the peak of the rainy season, hazardous weather events such as thunderstorms, whirlwinds, lightning, and hail have already been recorded since early May.

Some areas in northern Vietnam, the Central Highlands, and the southern region have experienced thunderstorms and localized heavy rains, with rainfall typically ranging from 100 to 150mm and some places exceeding 200mm.

“This year, due to a combination of neutral El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions and the continued impact of climate change, intense localized downpours with rainfall rates exceeding 100mm per hour are expected to occur frequently during the rainy season,” the agency warned.

It also noted that floods may develop in the upper reaches of the Thao and Lo rivers, as well as smaller rivers in northern Vietnam and Thanh Hoa.

Heavy rainfall may cause severe flooding in low-lying areas, industrial zones, and urban centers, while also increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides in mountainous regions.

The department has called on ministries, agencies, and localities to take measures to protect lives and minimize property damage.

It also urged local authorities to compile information on local livelihoods, economic activities, and vulnerable infrastructure likely affected by natural disasters and submit it to the department.

Mai Van Khiem, director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, outlined three main concerns regarding the upcoming weather conditions.

First, this transitional period between seasons brings a heightened risk of strong thunderstorms accompanied by whirlwinds, lightning, hail, and gusty winds.

These hazards are expected not only in the northern provinces but also in parts of the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam.

Second, flash floods and landslides remain a serious threat, particularly in mountainous northern provinces such as Bac Kan, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Yen Bai, Ha Giang, and Tuyen Quang.

Lastly, with the expected volume of rain, upstream flooding is likely along the Thao and Lo rivers and various smaller rivers in northern Vietnam and Thanh Hoa.