This year is forecasted to be one of the hottest on record, with global average temperatures possibly increasing by 1.29-1.53 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels (1850-1900). In Vietnam, temperatures are expected to stay high but are unlikely to exceed the record levels of last year.
Ha Long City in Quang Ninh hard hit by Typhoon Yagi last year (Photo by Nam Anh)
Between April and June, storms and tropical depressions are likely to form over the East Sea and directly impact the Vietnamese mainland in line with the multi-year average. Nearly one in four storms in the East Sea annually make landfall in Vietnam.
Among 11-13 storms projected to hit the East Sea this year, around 5 to 6 would ravage Vietnam. There will be a high risk of powerful storms reaching Category 12 or higher affecting the country.
From April, intense heat waves would occur in the Central Highlands and southern regions, later than many previous years.
The hot weather will become more intense across northern and central localities from May.
The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said that the country would witness 20 widespread heavy rain periods, equal to the multi-year average. From June, rains will likely start in northern localities and gradually move south, and end in the central region by December.