Heavy rain is expected to continue across the mountainous and midland regions of northern Vietnam until the night of July 20, while forecasters warn that many provinces remain at high to very high risk of flash floods and landslides.
The devastation after a flash flood in Muong Than Commune, Lai Chau Province (Photo: Hai Long).
According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the mountainous and midland areas of northern Vietnam will experience moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms from the night of July 18 to the night of July 19. Rainfall is forecast to range between 50mm and 100mm, with isolated areas receiving more than 250mm.
Thunderstorms may also bring tornadoes, lightning, hail and strong winds, the agency said.
On July 20, the same regions are expected to receive a further 10-30mm of rain, with isolated locations recording more than 60mm. Heavy rainfall is forecast to ease gradually from the night of July 20.
Meteorologists warned that the threat extends well beyond the provinces already affected by severe flooding. In addition to Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, Lao Cai and Tuyen Quang, almost all mountainous and midland provinces in northern Vietnam face a high to very high risk of flash floods and landslides over the coming days.
Experts said further flash floods and landslides are likely, with both the frequency of incidents and the number of affected locations expected to increase.
Meanwhile, the weather agency forecast isolated heatwave conditions across the Red River Delta and Thanh Hoa Province on July 19, with temperatures exceeding 35C in some areas.
From July 19 to July 20, provinces stretching from Nghe An to Da Nang, as well as the eastern parts of the region extending from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak, are expected to experience continued hot weather. Maximum temperatures are forecast to range between 35C and 37C, with some locations exceeding 38C.
The heatwave in central Vietnam is expected to persist until around July 23 before gradually easing from July 24, according to the forecasters.
In the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam, conditions are expected to remain generally sunny during the day, with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing in the late afternoon and evening.