Widespread showers, thunderstorms to hit southern Vietnam in midweek

Nguyen Van Huong, head of weather forecasting at the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, said the upcoming thunderstorms follow several days of severe weather in northern and north-central provinces.

Between last Saturday and Monday, hailstorms, squalls, and lightning caused heavy damage in provinces and cities including Hanoi, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Tuyen Quang, Phu Tho, Thai Nguyen, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh.

On Saturday evening alone, hail the size of chicken eggs and even tennis balls struck Phu Tho and Thai Nguyen in the northern region.

Huong explained that hot, humid daytime conditions fueled strong convective energy, while a low-pressure trough at 5,000 meters combined with weak cold air from the north to create unstable atmospheric conditions.

These vertical air currents kept ice particles suspended longer, allowing them to grow before falling as hail.

As for weather conditions in the upcoming period, Huong warned that El Niño has an 80-90 percent chance of developing by mid-2026, with a 20-25 percent probability of reaching very strong intensity by year’s end and lasting into 2027.

This could bring hotter-than-average temperatures, fewer storms, and less rainfall, but more violent thunderstorms, squalls, hail, and short-duration extreme downpours.

Such events may trigger flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding, especially in mountainous areas.

For now, residents in the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam should prepare for widespread showers and thunderstorms from Tuesday to Thursday, mostly in the afternoons and evenings.

Another cold front is expected around this weekend, bringing risks of hail, squalls, and strong winds in northern provinces.

The meteorologist advised residents to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid standing under trees or power poles, reinforce rooftops, and disconnect electrical devices during lightning.

In hailstorms, residents should close windows and stay away from glass doors to prevent injuries.