Southern Vietnam to see afternoon thunderstorms today

Northern Vietnam will experience hot weather, with temperatures reaching 35-37 degrees Celsius and exceeding 37 degrees Celsius in some areas.

The heat will affect northern Vietnam except Dien Bien and Lai Chau Provinces, with some areas experiencing intense heat.

The area from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang and from eastern Quang Ngai to Gia Lai will also experience temperatures of 35-37 degrees Celsius, with some areas exceeding 37 degrees Celsius.

The weather agency said temperatures in northern Vietnam would ease from August 14, while hot weather conditions would continue in central Vietnam.

High temperatures and low humidity will increase the risk of fires and explosions in residential areas as electricity demand rises, the agency said.

In southern Vietnam, a wind convergence zone will bring showers and thunderstorms to Ho Chi Minh City and other southern localities from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The convergence zone at higher levels of the atmosphere is weakening, reducing rainfall across the region, the agency said.

Rain and thunderstorms will affect about one-third of the region, with moderate rainfall and a low chance of heavy rain.

Thunderstorms could bring whirlwinds, lightning and strong wind gusts, the agency warned.

Rain is likely during the afternoon rush hour, prompting authorities to advise residents to carry raincoats when going outdoors.

Vietnam weather forecast for August 12:

Hanoi: Lows of 27-29 degrees Celsius and highs of 35-36 degrees Celsius; cloudy and hot, with intense heat in some areas.

Northwestern Vietnam: Lows of 23-28 degrees Celsius and highs of 35-37 degrees Celsius; cloudy and hot, with intense heat in some areas, except in Dien Bien and Lai Chau.

Northeastern Vietnam: Lows of 24-28 degrees Celsius and highs of 35-37 degrees Celsius; cloudy and hot, with intense heat in some areas.

Thanh Hoa to Hue: Lows of 26-29 degrees Celsius and highs of 35-37 degrees Celsius; cloudy and hot, with intense heat in some areas.

South-central coast: Lows of 26-29 degrees Celsius and highs of 35-37 degrees Celsius; cloudy and sunny, with hot to intensely hot weather in northern areas.

Central Highlands: Lows of 20-23 degrees Celsius and highs of 26-29 degrees Celsius; mostly cloudy, with showers and thunderstorms in some areas.

Southern Vietnam: Lows of 24-27 degrees Celsius and highs of 32-35 degrees Celsius; mostly cloudy, with showers and thunderstorms in some areas.

Ho Chi Minh City: Lows of 24-26 degrees Celsius and highs of 33-35 degrees Celsius; mostly cloudy, with showers and thunderstorms in some areas.