The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said that under the influence of a tropical convergence zone stretching across the southern Red River Delta and the north-central region, northern Vietnam and the area from Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh are likely to see moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms from the night of August 17 to August 21, with some places experiencing very heavy downpours.
Northern Vietnam is set for widespread heavy rain (Photo: Hai Long).
During this spell, Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, Thai Nguyen, southern Tuyen Quang, Lao Cai, Phu Tho, Son La, Hanoi City, Hung Yen, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An and Ha Tinh are forecast to receive 150-300mm of rain, with isolated areas topping 450mm.
Lai Chau, Dien Bien, northern Tuyen Quang, Cao Bang and Lang Son are expected to record 100-200mm, with some places exceeding 300mm.
Several days of heavy rain raise the risk of flooding in low-lying areas and urban centres, while also increasing the danger of flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas.
Before the heavy rain arrives, northern Vietnam and the area from Thanh Hoa to Nghe An are forecast to see thunderstorms on August 16, with rainfall of 10-30mm and isolated totals above 80mm. Rain is expected to be concentrated in the late afternoon, at night and in the morning.