Hailstones measuring 1-3 centimetres were reported in parts of Hanoi, including Hoa Lac and Long Bien, during storms that struck around 6 pm, with some areas seeing heavy rain for about 10 minutes.
Similar weather was recorded in several northern provinces including Dien Bien, Lao Cai, Thai Nguyen and Phu Tho, where hail and strong winds damaged crops and fruit trees.
The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said the storms were caused by cold air compressing and pushing a low-pressure trough southwards, triggering severe convective activity across the region.
The agency forecast the cold front would expand further on May 3, bringing cooler weather, moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms to much of northern and north-central Vietnam.
Forecasters warned of risks including tornadoes, lightning, hail and strong winds during storms, as well as flash floods, landslides and urban flooding in vulnerable areas.
Strong northeasterly winds are also expected in the Gulf of Tonkin and the northeastern part of the East Sea from late May 3, potentially affecting marine operations.
