From October 1 to 5, southern Vietnam, including HCM City, is forecast to see daytime sunshine and scattered showers and thunderstorms in the late afternoon and evening.
Heavy rain may occur locally, accompanied by whirlwinds, lightning and strong gusts, while rainfall is expected to increase from around October 5-6.
Early on October 1, showers and thunderstorms were reported in parts of HCM City, Tay Ninh and Dong Nai. Rainfall over the following hours was forecast at 5-20 mm, exceeding 30 mm in some areas.
Thunderstorms could bring whirlwinds, lightning, hail and strong winds.
In HCM City, thunderstorms developed over several communes and were forecast to spread to neighbouring areas, with heavy rain posing a risk of localised flooding.
Rainfall on October 1 was forecast at around 8 mm in Sai Gon, Cho Lon, Binh Thanh and Go Vap; 10 mm in Hoc Mon and Binh Tan; 13 mm in Thu Duc and Thu Dau Mot; 15 mm in Di An and Thuan An; and 16 mm in Ben Cat.
Daytime temperatures are expected to reach 32-33 degrees Celsius on October 1, with overnight lows of 25-27 degrees. Highs are forecast at 32-34 degrees on October 2 and 3.
From October 1 to 5, southern Vietnam and Lam Dong are expected to experience fairly strong sunshine during the day, with scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. Some areas may see heavy rain and lightning.
The centre said the southwest monsoon would remain weak over the next 24-48 hours, while other atmospheric conditions would continue to influence the region's weather.
A low-pressure trough may develop in the south around October 5-6 and gradually strengthen, bringing more moisture and creating favourable conditions for increased thunderstorm activity.
Southern Vietnam is subsequently expected to become cloudier, with less sunshine and more widespread and heavier rain. Some days could see heavy rainfall.
The centre warned that thunderstorms and strong winds could damage trees, homes and infrastructure, while heavy rain could cause localised flooding and landslides.
HCM City is expected to see daytime sunshine and scattered showers and thunderstorms in the late afternoon and evening in the first days of October.
