Vietnam braces for strong El Niño 2026 with heatwaves and storm risk

Meteorological officials announced that the El Niño that formed in June 2026 is projected to become one of the strongest on record, with a 60‑65% chance of very strong intensity. The phenomenon is expected to persist through the end of 2026 and could extend into early 2027, resembling the 2015‑2016 event.

Vietnam’s National Center for Hydro‑Meteorological Forecasting, represented by director Mai Văn Khiêm, warned of a series of severe heatwaves, especially in the central region where temperatures could exceed 40 °C. The north is also slated for multiple heat spikes, and overall rainfall is expected to be below average, raising the risk of drought, water shortages and salt‑water intrusion in the Mekong Delta. Though the total number of tropical cyclones may be lower than average (about 8‑10, with 3‑5 affecting land), the threat of unusually strong storms that could cause flash flooding and landslides remains high. Deputy head of the Meteorological Agency, Đặng Thanh Mai, highlighted the potential for 16‑19 large‑scale rain events and emphasized the need for heightened preparedness across the country.