From May 20 to 29, 2025, Northern Vietnam is expected to experience intense sunshine followed by a significant wave of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, with totals reaching up to 350mm.

Meanwhile, the Central region braces for widespread heat, and the Southern region continues to see afternoon showers due to the strengthening southwest monsoon.

Experts from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting have outlined the evolving weather conditions for the next 10 days.

The dominant weather pattern will feature a trough of low pressure at around 25°–28°N, linked to a low-pressure zone in the west extending eastward, before being compressed and pushed south.

In the south, another trough located at around 4°–7°N is gradually moving northward and is expected to weaken in the final days of the period.

Upper-level convergence around 3,000 meters will reestablish over Northern Vietnam between May 22 and 25, while the subtropical ridge will temporarily weaken before expanding westward again around May 24–25.

As a result of these patterns, weather conditions across the country will shift noticeably. Northern Vietnam is forecast to experience intense sunshine early in the period, followed by widespread thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. The Central region will face severe heat, while the South continues with seasonal afternoon rains.

Detailed forecast:

Northern Vietnam and Thanh Hoa: From May 20–21, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected in the late afternoon and evening, primarily in mountainous areas. Days will be mostly sunny, with localized heat in the Northwest. From May 22–25, moderate to heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms are likely, with some areas seeing very heavy rainfall. From May 26–29, scattered showers and storms will persist.

From Nghe An to Phu Yen: From May 20–22, isolated showers and thunderstorms are forecast in the evenings, with widespread daytime heat and some areas experiencing extreme heat. From May 22–25, scattered afternoon and evening showers are expected, with localized heavy rain, particularly in the North Central region. From May 26–29, a mix of sunshine and occasional showers is expected.

Other regions (including Central Highlands and Southern Vietnam): From the night of May 19 to May 29, scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast, especially in the afternoons and evenings, with isolated areas experiencing heavy rainfall. The period from May 22–25 will see increased rain and thunderstorms.

Hanoi forecast (May 20–22):

Between May 22 and 25, Northern Vietnam and Thanh Hoa are likely to experience widespread heavy rainfall, with expected totals ranging from 100–250mm, and some areas possibly exceeding 350mm. Localized downpours could deliver more than 100mm within three hours.

In the Central Highlands and Southern Vietnam, where the rainy season has begun, afternoon and evening thunderstorms will become more frequent. These storms may bring lightning, strong winds, and the risk of whirlwinds.

Bao Anh