According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the rainy spell will occur on May 22-25 in many northern localities and the northern central province of Thanh Hoa. Rainfall will range from 100-250mm, with some areas surpassing 350mm.
Mai Van Khiem, Director of the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, said that thunderstorms and rain are expected to continue in the coming days, mainly in the late afternoon and at night.
However, the peak of the rainy and flood season has yet to begin; yet the northern region had witnessed dangerous weather events such as thunderstorms, whirlwinds, lightning, and hail.
Some areas have suffered from thunderstorms and torrential rain, with 100–200mm rainfall and even 300mm in certain locations.
Khiem added that total rainfall in May in the north could be 10-30 percent higher than the multi-year average, but still lower than the level of May last year.
He also warned that following rain, flash floods and landslides could occur by late May in many northern mountainous provinces, including Bac Kan, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Yen Bai, Ha Giang, and Tuyen Quang.
Intense downpours could lead to flooding in low-lying areas, urban centres, and industrial zones, Khiem emphasised.
The Central Highlands and southern regions will likely have more frequent thunderstorms and rain in the late afternoon and at night.