Northern Vietnam braces for heavy rain and intense heat

The Vietnam National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasts warns that the northern region will experience a period of heavy rain and thunderstorms from early June. Forecasts for the night of 3 June predict showers and scattered storms in the mountainous areas, with localized rainfall of 15‑30 mm and some spots exceeding 80 mm. From the night of 4 June to the morning of 5 June, widespread thunderstorms are expected, with rainfall amounts of 20‑40 mm and isolated events over 100 mm. The heavy rain poses a high risk of flash flooding, landslides and localized inundation in low‑lying and mountainous terrain.

At the same time, the heat wave continues across the northern lowlands and mid‑highlands, with temperatures frequently reaching 35‑38 °C and occasional peaks above 39 °C. UV indexes are at a very harmful level, prompting health advisories to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing and stay hydrated. Similar patterns of scattered showers and strong downpours are forecast for the central and southern regions, but the most acute weather impacts are centered on northern Vietnam.