On the evening of June 15, the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said that, under the influence of the monsoon trough, a spell of widespread heavy rain would hit the northern midlands and mountainous areas from the night of June 15 to the morning of June 18.
Widespread thunderstorms are forecast across northern Vietnam from June 16-18 (Photo: Hai Long).
Forecast rainfall in provinces and cities including Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Bac Ninh, Cao Bang, Tuyen Quang and Thai Nguyen is expected at 100-200mm, with some places receiving more than 300mm. Meanwhile, Lao Cai, Phu Tho, Son La, Dien Bien and Lai Chau are forecast to see 70-150mm, with some areas exceeding 250mm.
Notably, Lang Son, Cao Bang, Tuyen Quang, Lai Chau and Dien Bien face a high risk of flash floods and landslides.
According to Pham Thi Cham, a forecaster at the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, strong storm clouds had already developed across the northern mountainous region on the afternoon of June 15, bringing showers and thunderstorms to many areas.
Some localities in Thai Nguyen, Cao Bang and Tuyen Quang have already recorded heavy rain.
Rainfall is forecast to intensify markedly on the night of June 15 as a low-pressure trough moves southwards into the northern mountainous region, combining with upper-level wind convergence at an altitude of about 5,000 metres.
From June 16-18, total rainfall across northern provinces is forecast at 100-200mm, with some places receiving more than 300mm. Rain is expected to be concentrated mainly in the late afternoon, at night and in the early morning, with the possibility of intense downpours exceeding 100mm within three hours.
Pham Thi Cham said prolonged heavy rain would heighten the risk of flash floods and landslides on steep hillsides. Small rivers, streams and the upper reaches of major rivers in northern Vietnam could see a flood wave with water levels rising by 2-4 metres.
