Rain brings relief to Hanoi after scorching heat

From around 8:30 pm, thunderstorms and strong winds began affecting parts of the Vietnamese capital.

By about 9:00 pm, areas such as Cau Giay, Nam Tu Liem, and Ha Dong had recorded rainfall.

The showers lasted roughly 20 minutes but helped reduce the oppressive heat that had blanketed northern Vietnam for days.

At 8:55 pm, the national weather agency reported continued thunderstorms and rain in wards and communes including Yen Xuan, Son Tay, Doai Phuong, Quang Oai, Co Do, Vat Lai, Phu Cat, Ha Bang, and Hoa Lac.

Earlier in the afternoon, several northern provinces including Son La, Lao Cai, Cao Bang and the north-central province of Thanh Hoa experienced localized rainfall and thunderstorms.

In Lao Cai, storm clouds formed and intensified along the Red River, causing heavy rainfall across a wide area.

Heavy rain was also recorded on Wednesday afternoon in parts of the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam.

In Dak Lak, some areas received moderate to heavy rain, including 70 mm in Ea Kmut and 58.4 mm in Ea Kar.

Meanwhile, Lam Dong recorded rainfall exceeding 40 mm in several locations.

Forecasters said northern Vietnam is expected to see more widespread showers and thunderstorms on Thursday evening.

The current heatwave in northern Vietnam is forecast to end from Friday, while hot weather conditions in the central region are expected to gradually cool afterward.