Tropical Storm Wipha, which formed early on July 18, is expected to enter the East Sea early Saturday (July 19), bringing heavy to very heavy rain to northern provinces and parts of north-central Vietnam, including Thanh Hoa and Nghe An, early next week.

Storm Wipha strengthens over Philippine waters

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the tropical depression east of the Philippines intensified into a storm early on July 18, named Wipha internationally.

At 1:00 a.m., the storm's center was located at approximately 16.4°N and 125.3°E, over waters east of Luzon Island in the Philippines. It had maximum sustained winds at level 8 (62–74 km/h), gusting up to level 10, and was moving northwest at around 20 km/h.

Storm forecast and projected impacts

By 1:00 a.m. on July 19, the storm is forecast to continue northwest at 20 km/h and likely strengthen. Its center will be positioned over northern waters of Luzon, with winds increasing to level 8–9, gusting to level 11.

In the next 24 hours, Wipha is expected to shift west-northwest at 20–25 km/h, entering the East Sea and intensifying. It will be the third named storm to appear over the East Sea during the 2025 typhoon season.

By 1:00 a.m. on July 20, Wipha's center will be located about 740 km east-southeast of China’s Leizhou Peninsula, with wind strength at level 10 and gusts up to level 12.

By 1:00 a.m. on July 21, the storm will continue west-northwest at 20–25 km/h, closing in about 220 km east of the Leizhou Peninsula. Its wind strength is forecast at level 11 with gusts reaching level 14. The dangerous zone spans north of latitude 18.0°N and between longitudes 110.5°E–119.0°E. Disaster risk level: Category 3 for the northern waters of the northern East Sea.

From 72 to 120 hours onward, the storm is projected to continue on a west-northwest path at around 20 km/h.

Marine warnings and weather alerts

Due to Wipha’s influence, from the afternoon of July 18, the northeastern area of the East Sea will experience strong winds at level 6–7, gusting to level 9, with waves reaching 2.5–3.5 meters and rough sea conditions. Vessels in the affected zone face high risks from strong winds, high waves, waterspouts, and intense thunderstorms.

Meanwhile, on July 18, northern and central Vietnam experienced peak heat conditions with temperatures ranging from 35–38°C, and some areas exceeding 38°C. On July 19, hot weather will persist in the northern delta, with maximum temperatures dropping slightly to 35–36°C and relative humidity between 60–65%. From July 20 onward, heat will gradually subside in both northern and central regions.

From the night of July 19 to 20, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected across northern Vietnam, with isolated areas experiencing heavy rain. A widespread heavy rain event is likely from July 20 to 25, particularly impacting the North.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting is closely monitoring the storm’s progress and will provide timely updates to aid emergency response efforts at all levels.

Bao Anh