Moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms are to be expected in Northern Viet Nam and North Central Coast from Saturday into Tuesday, May 24 with extremely heavy rain likely in some places, according to Viet Nam’s National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting. However, reduction in rainfall activity is likely from Wednesday, May 25, the national weather service has indicated.

Da Nang will witness a marginal drop in maximum temperatures on Saturday and the national forecasters said thunderstorms and rain in parts of the city from Saturday up to Monday, May 23 are likely to bring further respite from the scorching heat. Strong winds at levels 2 to 3 may reach the city. From Saturday, these wet and cloudy conditions will also lead to a drop in daytime temperatures to 25-32 degree Celsius.

Furthermore, Central Highlands and Southern Viet Nam will likely see rain showers and thunderstorms up to Monday, May 23 with the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated locations.

Thunderstorms can produce tornadoes, lightning, hail and strong winds, national forecasters has warned.

Forecasters have also issued warnings of flash floods and landslides for mountainous areas in these regions, and localized flooding alerts are in place in low-lying and riverside areas. The advisory urges residents to ‘be aware’ of inclement weather. Local residents are advised to get ready for such weather conditions in an attempt to reduce the risk of possible damages.

Viet Nam’s National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control is urging the warning areas, including Da Nang, to take proactive and necessary mitigation measures in response to high winds, tornadoes and hail plus heavy rain which could trigger flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas and flooding in low-lying and riverside areas in the coming days.

Reporting by NAM TRAN – Translating by H.L