According to the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting, a tropical depression near the Luzon Island of the Philippines is predicted to strengthen into storm Guchol which will enter the East Sea.

The path of the storm (Photo: Vietnamnews)

At 7am on Thursday, the storm’s centre was located in the sea to the southeast of Fujian Province of China at the strongest wind speed of level 8.

The sea area to the northeast of the northern East Sea is forecast to experience rain and a thunderstorm.

On Wednesday and Thursday, floods are predicted to take place on the upper stream of the Hong (Red), Thai Binh and Thao rivers in Viet Nam.  Flash floods and landslides are forecast in the northern mountainous provinces of Lai Chau, Son La, Dien Bien and Lao Cai, as well as Yen Bai, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang and Bac Can.

Meanwhile, Da Nang is experiencing a fierce heatwave due to the influence of low pressure in the southern edge associated with a strong foehn wind in the southwest region.  The highest daytime temperatures range between 35 and 36°C, whilst the lowest humidity is reported as 54 - 60%.

Today, 7 September, the city enjoys scorching temperatures ranging from 35 to 37°C, and the temperature stays above 35°C from 11.00am - 2.00pm a day.  The lowest humidity is expected to be 55% - 60%.  

The current hot spell is predicted to last for the next couple of days.

Between 6 and 8 storms are forecast to hit the East Sea over the rest of the year, with 2 or 3 of them directly affecting Viet Nam, especially the central region, according to the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.

The central region, including Da Nang, will see much lower rainfall than usual. Average temperatures in the northern and north central region will be higher than previous years by 0.5-1^oC, while those of the central region southwards will be equal to the same period in the past.

The Director of the centre, Mr Hoang Duc Cuong said that flood season in the central and Central Highlands regions may come earlier than previous years, from early October, and the flood level may be the same as previously recorded.

(Source: DA NANG Today/ VNS)