Viet Nam’s National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting predicts 11-13 named storms that will enter or develop in the East Sea from June to late 2024, of which five to seven could pose direct threat to the country. 

Illustrative image. Photo: TTXVN

The 2024 Viet Nam storm season will run from September through to the end of November.

The La Niña weather pattern that describes the cooling of surface-ocean water along the tropical west coast of South America is likely to develop from June onwards, and could contribute to developing named storms in late 2024, many of which could develop in the East Sea, making storms to impact Viet Nam’s mainland more quickly.

From June onwards, heatwaves is forecast to increase in intensity, and affect other parts of the Northern region, the North Central Coast, and the Mid-Central region. As per national weather service, extreme heat and heat waves will increase in frequency, and the number of heatwave events is likely to be much higher than in previous years. July and August could be Viet Nam’s hottest months. There is a weather warning for extreme heat during these two months. High temperatures can be a risk to health and can increase the risk of both wildfires and water safety incidents.

Amid such sweltering conditions in affected areas, it's critical to take the necessary safeguards. The elderly and those with pre-existing morbidities must take extra care against dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and strokes during this time.

Heatwave conditions are likely to abate in the Northern region from the second half of August, and in the Central region from September.

The Central region, especially the parts from Quang Tri to Binh Thuan, including Da Nang,  is likely to experience prolonged drought from August 5.

Heavy rain is forecast to lash the North region from July to September, and the central region from September to November.

Localized heavy rain warning is issued across these areas as 50-100 millimetres of rain is predicted to fall in these areas in a 3-6 hour period.

The national forecasters warns that soaking rain would carry major risks of landslides and flash floods in these areas. Forecasters issue warnings of flash floods and landslides for mountainous areas, and localized flooding alerts are in place in low-lying and urban areas.

The return of the La Niña climate phenomenon can affect weather in Viet Nam, especially central region. Therefore, heavy rain is forecast to batter central region in the last months of 2024.

In 2023, Viet Nam's weather was be affected by the El Nino phenomenon, with 8 named storms and tropical depressions hitting the country. During El Nino, the country experienced 25 cold wave events, 20 widespread heat wave events, and severe weather conditions. Moreover, the Northern region has faced 10-80% water shortage since January 7, 2023, compared to the figure recorded in previous years. Furthermore, 21 widespread heavy rain events and 13 flood events occurred in the Northern and Central regions, along with Central Highlands. Floods, flash floods, and landslides occurred in 35 provinces across the Northern and Central regions, along with Central Highlands.

Since the beginning of 2024, 13 natural disaster events have occurred across the country, including heavy rain, tornadoes, lightning, hail, heat, drought, saltwater intrusion, forest fires, landslides, and land subsidence. Natural disasters left 12 people dead or missing, 21 injured, 189 houses collapsed, 25,351 houses damaged or roofless across the country.

Reporting by BAOTINTUC – Translating by H.L